http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/RSS feed from DFAIT en 2012-02-06 Copyright http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/rss/ http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2012/2012_02_01a.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 02/06/2012 The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, participated in a meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defence Ministers on February 2-3, in Brussels, Belgium. 02/06/2012 02/20/2012 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/multimedia/afcam-cameraf/002/0002432-200-1846v.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 02/01/2012 Much has been accomplished over the past decade. Canada’s work is making a difference. Our efforts have made a direct contribution to improving the lives of women and girls, and we remain steadfast in building on this progress. In addition, Canada remains committed to an Afghan education system that gives all Afghan children the opportunity to make a positive contribution to their families, their society, and the future of their country. 02/01/2012 02/15/2012 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/assets/images/afcam-cameraf/role_2011-2014_thumb.jpg http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2012_01_18.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 01/19/2012 As you read this article, you probably don’t stop to consider when and how you learned to read. Reading is second nature to you, and you can barely remember when it wasn’t. But what if you had to learn to read and write now? 01/19/2012 02/02/2012 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/assets/images/stories-reportages/2012_01_18-thumb.jpg http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2012_01_13.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 01/19/2012 After nine weeks of drill, range practice, patrolling techniques, checkpoint procedures and convoy exercises, the 1,400 Afghan National Army soldiers on parade at the Regional Military Training Centre–West, deserved every moment of the praise and recognition they received during the ceremony marking their successful completion of Basic Warrior Training. 01/19/2012 02/02/2012 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/assets/images/stories-reportages/2012_01_13-thumb.jpg http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/embassy-ambassade/fraud-fraude.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 12/28/2011 You do not need to hire an immigration representative to apply for a visa or for Canadian citizenship. Immigration representatives do not have special connections with Canadian government officials and cannot guarantee you a visa. Beware of internet scams and false websites. The official website of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is www.cic.gc.ca. 12/28/2011 01/11/2012 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2011/2011_12_25.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 12/25/2011 His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, visited from December 22 to 25, 2011, Canadian troops and civilians deployed in Italy and Afghanistan. His Excellency was joined by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, and General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff. 12/25/2011 01/08/2012 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2011/2011_12_19.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 12/24/2011 As we celebrate the holiday season, it is natural to pause and reflect upon the year that is drawing to a close. Canadian Forces members and employees at the Department of National Defence have worked tirelessly, at home and abroad, to save lives, provide security, promote peace and offer help to people who would otherwise lose hope, face chaos, fight violent actors and live in a constant state of fear. 12/24/2011 01/07/2012 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_12_20.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 12/20/2011 To highlight Canada’s commitment to human rights, the Embassy of Canada in Kabul participated in a number of events on 10 December 2011, the anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. 12/20/2011 01/03/2012 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/assets/images/stories-reportages/2011_12_20-thumb.jpg http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_12_19.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 12/13/2011 Beneath the pristine blue sky, the stillness of the desert 10 kilometers east of Kabul is shattered by the blast of a 122-mm D-30 howitzer, a weapon of Soviet design. Moments later, the shell explodes at the base of the mountains in the distance. 12/13/2011 12/27/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/assets/images/stories-reportages/2011_12_19-thumb.jpg http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2011/2011_12_15.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 12/15/2011 Brigadier-General Charles Lamarre, Commander of the Mission Transition Task Force (MTTF) in Afghanistan, and members of his team returned home from Afghanistan this afternoon. 12/15/2011 12/29/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2011/2011_12_12.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 12/15/2011 A group of senior police officers recently travelled to Afghanistan to better understand the day-to-day realities and contributions of their officers serving in that country. RCMP Assistant Commissioner (A/Commr.) Mike Cabana, Calgary Police Chief Rick Hanson and Ottawa Police Superintendent (Supt.) Mike Flanagan spent five days visiting various sites in and around Kabul where Canadian police are working to train and mentor Afghan National Police (ANP) officers. 12/15/2011 12/29/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2011/2011_12_13.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 12/14/2011 Today, the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced the details of Canada's support to the World Food Programme (WFP) to provide relief food assistance for drought-affected populations in Afghanistan. 12/14/2011 12/28/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2011/2011_12_09b.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 12/09/2011 Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement on the occasion of Human Rights Day: “2011 was a landmark year for human rights, we saw hundreds of thousands of people step forward in the face of violent repression to claim their rights. Unfortunately, we live in a world where basic human rights are not always upheld... 12/09/2011 12/23/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_12_07.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 12/07/2011 Canada’s Chargé d'affaires Shelley Whiting marked Universal Children's Day by visiting the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (IGICH), the largest children’s hospital in Afghanistan. During her visit, Ms. Whiting saw first-hand how Canada is contributing to improve the health of young Afghans. 12/07/2011 12/21/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/assets/images/stories-reportages/2011_12_07-thumb.jpg http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2011/2011_12_06.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 12/06/2011 Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement: “Canada strongly condemns the attacks today in Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif that killed or wounded numerous Shia worshipers on the Day of Ashura. There can be no justification for these cowardly acts of religious extremism, which targeted innocent men, women and children simply practising their faith in peace. 12/06/2011 12/20/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_12_06.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 12/06/2011 Poor children in Kabul get a chance for a brighter future thanks to a training centre where WFP provides food with the support of the Canadian government. “When I grow up, I want to be a doctor!” Nine-year-old Soma’s bright smile belies the enormity of her ambition. When you think about how far she’s already come, you understand her optimism. 12/06/2011 12/20/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/assets/images/stories-reportages/2011_12_06-thumb.jpg http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/speeches-discours/2011/2011_12_05.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 12/05/2011 Let me begin by thanking our German hosts. As with many of the countries represented here today 10 years after the fall of the Taliban, Canada continues to demonstrate its commitment to Afghanistan. We are not fair-weather friends and will continue to support the women, children and men of Afghanistan. 12/05/2011 12/19/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2011/2011_12_04.aspx?lang=eng&view=d DFAIT 12/04/2011 Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird and the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today hailed a Canadian company’s winning bid for an important iron-ore mining contract in Afghanistan. Kilo Goldmines, a Toronto-based company, has been awarded one of the four concession blocks of the Hajigak iron-ore deposit in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan province, as announced by the Afghan Ministry of Mines. 12/04/2011 12/18/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_12_02.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 12/12/2011 On 22 October 2011, the Mission Transition Task Force Health Services Unit (MTTF HSU) handed over $500,000 worth of medications and other medical supplies to the Kandahar Regional Military Hospital, an Afghan National Army hospital near Kandahar Airfield. This donation was the culmination of the HSU’s role in the MTTF’s mission-closure task, the final drawdown of Canadian medical equipment and supplies in Kandahar Province. 12/12/2011 12/26/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/assets/images/stories-reportages/2011_12_02-thumb.jpg http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_12_01.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 12/01/2011 The maple leaf flag that symbolized the Canadian Forces presence in Kandahar Province was lowered for the last time earlier today in a ceremony at Kandahar Airfield. It marked the end of Canada’s military presence in southern Afghanistan since August 2005, under Operation ATHENA. 12/01/2011 12/15/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2011/2011_11_23.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 11/23/2011 The Honourable Peter MacKay Minister of National Defence, today tabled the Government of Canada’s thirteenth quarterly report on Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan. 11/23/2011 12/07/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/assets/images/r06_11-eng.jpg http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_11_23.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 12/02/2011 The departure of the last Herc ends 10 years of deployed air logistics support to operations in southwest Asia. The Tactical Airlift Unit, also known as Task Force Canuck, formally ceased operations on 16 November 2011 with a sunset ceremony held on the tarmac of Kandahar Airfield. 12/02/2011 12/16/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/assets/images/stories-reportages/2011_11_23-thumb.jpg Tactical Airlift Unit folds its wings at Kandahar Airfield http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_11_22.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 11/22/2011 On November 11th over 150 participants gathered at the Canadian Embassy in Kabul, to remember the fallen from past and current conflicts. Those in attendance included foreign and Afghan dignitaries, Canadian Forces personnel, Canadian civilian police officers, and Embassy staff. 11/22/2011 12/06/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_11_18.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 11/22/2011 On October 26th, 2011, Canada’s Acting Head of Mission Philip MacKinnon attended a special graduation ceremony for 17 new trainers with the Counter Narcotics Police of Afghanistan (CNPA). This ceremony, held at the Counter Narcotics Training Academy in Kabul, was of particular significance as it was the first graduation that included 15 trainers from provinces beyond the national capital. 11/22/2011 12/02/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/assets/images/stories-reportages/2011_11_18-thumb.jpg http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_11_16a.aspx?lang=eng&view=d DFAIT 11/18/2011 The preventive medicine (PMed) technicians of the Mission Transition Task Force at Kandahar Airfield (KAF) are deep into the critical task of banishing insects and pathogens from the loads of military equipment and materiel being shipped back to Canada as part of the closure of Operation ATHENA. 11/18/2011 12/02/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/assets/images/stories-reportages/2011_11_16a-thumb.jpg http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_11_16.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 11/16/2011 On 11 November 2011, the Canadians still serving at Kandahar Airfield stood together for the final Remembrance Day parade in front of the black and white marble memorial to our brothers and sisters in arms who have lost their lives in Afghanistan. 11/16/2011 11/30/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_11_04.aspx?lang=eng&view=d DFAIT 11/04/2011 The Government of Canada is one of the most generous donors to the World Food Programme globally and also in Afghanistan. Since 2010, Canada has contributed approximately CDN$ 28 million to WFP’s operations, providing vital food assistance to vulnerable Afghans across the country. Among them are schoolchildren and patients recovering from tuberculosis, who are receiving food support thanks to Canada’s valuable contributions. 11/04/2011 11/18/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/subscribe-inscrire.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 11/04/2011 We invite you to sign up for our subscription service to receive our Focus: Afghanistan e-newsletter that features podcasts, videos‚ photos‚ stories from the field‚ and notifies your of recent content updates to our website. 11/04/2011 11/18/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_11_01.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 11/01/2011 On October 20th, 2011, Canada’s Acting Head of Mission Philip MacKinnon and Detective Ken Brander, a member of the Edmonton Police Service, donated 11 Kobo e-readers to a group of female students of the School of Leadership Afghanistan (SOLA). Each e-reader comes with 50 classic books pre-loaded, which will greatly increase the number of books available at the SOLA library and allow young Afghan students to perfect their reading skills. 11/01/2011 11/15/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2011/2011_10_24.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 10/25/2011 On World Polio Day, we can look back with pride upon the progress the world has made in the global effort to eradicate polio. In 1988, when the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was launched, polio was endemic in more than 125 countries on five continents, and paralyzed over 1,000 children each day. Since then, at least two billion children have been immunized against the disease, while the number of worldwide cases has declined by more than 99 percent. 10/25/2011 11/08/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_10_12.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 10/12/2011 In July 2011, a group of Canadian Forces health-care providers deployed on Op ATTENTION with a Training Development Officer to serve as advisor-mentors to their Afghan counterparts at the Armed Forces Academy of Medical Sciences in Kabul. The immediate focus of their work is the development and implementation of a standardized individual education and training system for medical personnel of the Afghan national security forces. 10/12/2011 10/26/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_09_20.aspx?lang=eng&view=d DFAIT 10/07/2011 On 10 September 2011, a sunny Saturday morning, they rolled out the welcome mat for Brigadier-General Chuck Lamarre, commander of the Mission Transition Task Force (MTTF), at Camp Hero, the Afghan National Army (ANA) base co-located with Kandahar Airfield. BGen Lamarre did not come alone, or empty-handed. His mission that day was to make a formal presentation of Canadian materiel to 205 (Hero) Corps of the ANA. 10/07/2011 10/21/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_10_03.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 10/03/2011 On September 17, 2011, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) launched the National Immunization Days campaign, which is part of intensified efforts to wipe out polio from the country. 10/03/2011 10/17/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_09_15a.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 09/29/2011 On 23 August 2011, Colonel Peter Dawe, the deputy commander of the Canadian Contribution Training Mission – Afghanistan (CCTM-A) paid a visit to Camp Souter to meet the small but vital team that lives and works there, and tour their facility. Camp Souter is a British support base conveniently situated near Kabul International Airport. 09/29/2011 10/13/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_09_15.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 09/29/2011 Captain (Navy) Haydn Edmundson arrived here on 18 July 2011 as part of the initial rotation of the Canadian Contribution Training Mission–Afghanistan (CCTM-A), the task force deployed on Operation ATTENTION to serve with the NATO Training Mission–Afghanistan (NTM-A). 09/29/2011 10/13/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_09_14a.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 09/28/2011 Despite the smoldering heat, the soldiers of the Logistics Support Group are fully kitted out and battle-ready, no corners cut, for the short trip to Camp Hero, an Afghan National Army training base located just outside Kandahar Airfield. They take their job seriously. Today, the task is to deliver upwards of 20 shipping containers — “sea cans” — to the Afghan National Army. Thanks to the engineers of the Mission Transition Task Force (MTTF), the sea cans have been converted into modular temporary barracks. 09/28/2011 10/12/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_09_14.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 09/23/2011 Canadian Forces engineers are converting sea containers — “seacans” — into portable accommodations for soldiers of the Afghan National Army (ANA). Nineteen seacans are in the process of being converted into quarters complete with electricity, built-in bunk beds, air conditioning and heat. It takes a few days to convert a seacan into modular barracks. 09/23/2011 10/07/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_09_13.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 09/23/2011 The linemen of the Mission Transition Task Force (MTTF) Headquarters and Signals Squadron recently conducted a a 35-day “line exchange program” to demonstrate the cable plant of the Canadian facilities at Kandahar Airfield for a team of U.S. Army linemen. The MTTF is responsible for closing out Operation ATHENA in Kandahar Province. 09/23/2011 10/07/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_09_12.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 09/20/2011 Sergeant Geoff Closs of Force Protection Company, Mission Transition Task Force (MTTF), orders his soldiers into their LORIT, an up-armoured LAV III. Sgt Closs and his section then head out into the Afghan countryside to defend a combat logistic patrol tasked to bring sea containers of equipment back to Kandahar Airfield. 09/20/2011 10/04/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_09_08.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 09/20/2011 Pallets loaded with 1,901 bags of charcoal briquettes. In Canada, charcoal is for the barbecue, symbol of the lazy days of summer with friends and good times. In largely treeless Afghanistan, it is a primary heating fuel. Tools, water filters and other small articles — 691 in total. In Canada, they could wait for the next round of yard work. For an Afghan family, they could mean a regular supply of food and clean water. 09/20/2011 10/04/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_08_23.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 09/19/2011 Door gunners are combat arms soldiers whose job is all about protecting soldiers. During the Task Force Freedom combat mission in Afghanistan, door gunners ranging in rank from private to sergeant flew aboard CH 146 Griffon and CH-147 Chinook helicopters. On the Chinooks, they used their weapons strictly for local protection and close defence; on the Griffons, they were called upon to protect ground troops and ensure the security of the Chinooks they were escorting. 09/19/2011 10/03/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_08_16b.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 09/16/2011 Master Corporal Ken Stewart has an important job. The water, fuel and environment technician is responsible for soil remediation at Kandahar Airfield as part of the Mission Transition Task Force working to close down Canadian operations there by the end of the year. Soil contamination from the daily activities of thousands of Canadian soldiers and hundreds of commercial and tactical vehicles is a major concern. 09/16/2011 09/30/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_08_16a.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 09/16/2011 The streets are crowded in the markets of Kandahar City. They are alive with activity this morning as one of the final Canadian consolidation patrols makes its way out to pick up some of the few remaining bits of equipment left outside the wire. The column of vehicles stretches back more than a kilometre and is somewhat of a disruption to the already chaotic driving patterns of the city. Kids are playing in the streets, smiling and waving as the armoured vehicles roll by. Shops are open and it’s business as usual for the people who live here. 09/16/2011 09/30/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_09_05.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 09/09/2011 Major Sandeep Dhesi has just completed a six-month tour of duty at the Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar Airfield (KAF). The Army dental officer specializes in oral-maxillofacial surgery, a hybrid of medicine, dentistry and surgery. “I worked as a general dental officer in the Canadian Forces for five years, but became drawn to oral-maxillofacial surgery because I wanted challenges.” 09/09/2011 09/23/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_08_30.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 09/08/2011 … a formidable formation stood down. The parade marking the end of the Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing took place on 18 August 2011 in the dusty gloaming of the north side of Kandahar Airfield, with some 150 airmen, airwomen and soldiers at attention in proud flights. 09/08/2011 09/22/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_08_17a.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 09/07/2011 While the rest of Supply Company of the Mission Transition Task Force works to ensure that continuing International Security Assistance Force operations receive all the assets they need, Ammunition Platoon is busy destroying unsafe ordnance, and preparing and packaging ammunition for return to Canada or transfer to Operation ATTENTION in Kabul. 09/07/2011 09/21/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_08_17.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 09/07/2011 Kabul International Airport covers a vast area on the north side of the city. The sprawling complex includes civilian and military air terminals, air cargo centres, and International Security Assistance Force facilities. One military unit located on the airport grounds represents the future of the Afghan Air Force. 09/07/2011 09/21/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_08_16.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 09/07/2011 One after another, three CH-147 Chinook transport helicopters and five CH-146 Griffon tactical helicopters from Task Force Freedom (also known as the Canadian Helicopter Force Afghanistan or CFHA) touched down and completed their final mission in Afghanistan. This final flight, conducted 27 July 2011, was both an operational mission in support of the consolidation of personnel and material and a training mission as crew members took advantage of the last time the Canadian Chinooks and Griffons would fly together in Afghanistan. 09/07/2011 09/21/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_08_15.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 09/06/2011 In a ceremonial transfer of command authority held at Camp Blackhorse on the eastern edge of Kabul, Colonel Rory Radford of the Canadian Forces assumed command of the Consolidated Fielding Centre (CFC) on 3 July 2011. Supported by the NATO Training Mission–Afghanistan, the CFC is a one-of-a-kind facility that prepares formed units of the Afghan National Army for integration into a corps. 09/06/2011 09/20/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_07_26.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 09/06/2011 In every practical sense, the Consolidated Fielding Centre (CFC) is the birthplace of the Afghan National Army. Located in the expansive Pol-e-Charki military reserve in Kabul’s eastern outskirts, the CFC is where the ANA forms its units, equips and trains them, and then validates that training before deploying them to operational corps. 09/06/2011 09/20/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_07_13.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 09/02/2011 In only eight months, with 130 deliberate operations that led to the discovery of 300 caches and 250 improvised explosive devices, more than 3,000 patrols, eight schools opened with some 2,000 students, 30 kilometres of road built to link the west to the east and the north to the south … and all of that with lowest civilian losses. 09/02/2011 09/16/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_07_11.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 09/02/2011 With a series of public ceremonies conducted over three days, the Canadian Forces formally concluded the combat mission in Kandahar Province that began in the fall of 2005 with the arrival of the first Canadian battle group to deploy on Operation ATHENA. 09/02/2011 09/16/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2011/2011_08_02.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 08/02/2011 John Baird, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, is presented with the last Canadian flag to fly over Camp Nathan Smith in Kandahar, Afghanistan, by Tim Martin, Representative of Canada in Kandahar, in Ottawa on August 2, 2011. 08/02/2011 08/16/2011 https://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/subscribe-inscrire.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 07/11/2011 Visit the subscription page to see all of our issues and to subscribe for future editions. 07/11/2011 07/25/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_06_07.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 06/08/2011 The Operation ATTENTION Theatre Activation Team (TAT) deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan in mid-March 2011. Generated by Canadian Operational Support Command, (CANOSCOM), the TAT is responsible for timely bed-down and coordination of services for the National Command and Support Element (NCSE) of the Op ATTENTION task force, which has been dubbed the Canadian Contribution Training Mission – Afghanistan or CCTM-A. 06/08/2011 06/22/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_06_07a.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 06/08/2011 2011 will be a busy year for the Canadian Forces (CF) in Afghanistan. As we approach the mid-year mark with the conduct of our final operations in the southern districts of Dand and Panjwa’i, we are also preparing for the end of the combat mission in Kandahar Province and the subsequent consolidation and closeout phases of Operation ATHENA, which are expected to conclude in December 2011. 06/08/2011 06/22/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2011/2011_06_03.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 06/03/2011 The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced the Government of Canada's support for 11 projects to give a better future to today's generation of children and youth, the largest ever in history with more than 90 percent living in the developing world. 06/03/2011 06/17/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_06_01.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 06/01/2011 The day was hot and cloudless, approaching 40 degrees Celsius, and the air was full of sand and dust. From the Canadian battle group’s position on one of the highest points in the western part of Panjwa’i District, Prime Minister Stephen Harper looked out over a scene of contrasts: the lush green of irrigated fields, surrounded by wide swaths of hard-scrabble terrain and bare mountains in the distance 06/01/2011 06/15/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/assets/images/stories-reportages/2011_06_01-thumb.jpg Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay take in the view of the Horn of Panjwa’i from an observation post at a Canadian patrol base. http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_06_01a.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 06/01/2011 Canadian soldiers based in Kabul gathered at Camp Phoenix on 28 May 2011 to mark the official stand-up of the Canadian Contribution Training Mission – Afghanistan (CCTM-A), the task force deployed to carry out Canada’s commitment to train the Afghan National Army (ANA) under Operation ATTENTION. 06/01/2011 06/15/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/assets/images/stories-reportages/2011_06_01a-thumb.jpg During the parade marking the stand-up of the CCTM-A at Camp Phoenix, Ambassador William Crosbie (left foreground), speaks with Cpl Dany Thibault of the Kabul detachment of the Op ATHENA NCSE. http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2011/2011_05_31.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 05/31/2011 Prime Minister Stephen Harper today confirmed that up to 950 military Canadian Armed Forces trainers and support personnel will be deployed to Afghanistan to take part in Operation ATTENTION, the Canadian component of the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan. 05/31/2011 06/14/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/assets/images/2011_05_31-thumb.jpg PM highlights Canada's role in Afghan training mission http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_05_30.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 05/30/2011 On 23 May, the Commander of the International Security Assistance Force, General David Petraeus, made his first visit to Panjwa'i District since 1st Battalion Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group took charge. 05/30/2011 06/13/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/assets/images/stories-reportages/2011_05_30-thumb.jpg http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_05_24c.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 05/24/2011 The Afghanistan mission brings its share of joint cooperation projects. The gunners of the troop based in the eastern part of Panjwai District had a chance to conduct a joint exercise with the Afghan National Army (ANA). From 26 March to 3 April 2011, X Battery of the 1st Battalion Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group faced a considerable challenge: delivering a course on the 81-mm mortar to Afghan soldiers who had never previously touched such a weapon, all in a week. 05/24/2011 06/07/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_05_24b.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 05/24/2011 On 7 November 2010, when C (‘Crazy’) Company of the 1st Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group arrived in Salavat, a school full of pupils was a far-away dream. A tumbledown building, no teachers, a stubborn community still under insurgent influence — all these factors made the achievement of this goal unlikely. However, after five months of hard work by the Crazy team, more than 200 pupils are showing up at school every morning 05/24/2011 06/07/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_05_24a.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 05/24/2011 Since August 2005, Operational Mentor and Liaison Teams (OMLT) have been deployed in Kandahar province, where experienced military personnel offer instruction, mentoring and liaison services to Afghan soldiers. Although the Afghan National Army (ANA) and the coalition have been working together for eight consecutive years, few Afghan soldiers have learned and mastered English, while some have learned only a few words. 05/24/2011 06/07/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2011/2011_05_03.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 05/03/2011 His Excellency William Crosbie, Ambassador to Afghanistan, issued this statement on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day. 05/03/2011 05/17/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2011/2011_04_01.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 04/01/2011 The Government of Canada today issued a statement condemning the attack on UN staff and Afghan nationals at the UN office in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan. 04/01/2011 04/16/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2011/2011_03_28c.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 03/28/2011 Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the death of a Canadian soldier: “I join all Canadians in mourning the loss of Corporal Yannick Scherrer, who was killed by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Afghanistan. Our sympathies are with his loved ones, friends and colleagues on this tragic day. The entire country is deeply saddened by your loss. 03/28/2011 04/11/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2011/2011_03_28a.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 03/28/2011 One Canadian soldier was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated during a dismounted partnered patrol in the Panjwa’i district of Kandahar Province at approximately 12 p.m. (noon) Kandahar time on Sunday, March 27, 2011. 03/28/2011 04/11/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2011/2011_03_28b.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 03/28/2011 The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the death of Corporal Yannick Scherrer in Afghanistan. "I would like to express my condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of Corporal Yannick Scherrer , who died as the result of an improvised explosive device strike while on patrol in Afghanistan. 03/28/2011 04/11/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_03_23e.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 03/23/2011 A glance at a map of the Panjwai District tells you where the river is, because that's where the people are. Villages speckle the landscape around the Arghandab River and its dozens of tributaries, which provide the irrigation water that makes agriculture possible. 03/23/2011 04/06/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_03_23d.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 03/23/2011 C Squadron has now put in more than 80 days on the new road to Mushan. The challenges are constant and each problem is more complex than the last. We knew that this would be a tough job, but we have never doubted our ability to execute it. The workers on the site are tired, but very proud of what they have accomplished to date. 03/23/2011 04/06/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_03_23c.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 03/23/2011 One of the tasks of the Operational Mentor and Liaison Team (OMLT) on Rotation 10 of Operation ATHENA is to advise the logistics elements of 1st Brigade, 205 Corps Afghan National Army (ANA). To do this, the OMLT deploys logistics mentors who have the privilege to work each day with Afghan combat logisticians. 03/23/2011 04/06/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_03_23b.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 03/23/2011 On February 13, for the first time in the mission's history, X Battery from 1st Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment Battle Group and Kandak 4 Battery from 1 Brigade 205 Corps of the National Afghan Army conducted a training exercise together. 03/23/2011 04/06/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_03_23a.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 03/23/2011 In Afghanistan, when the Canadian Forces need to dispose of expired or defective munitions that can no longer be used, they call on the combat engineers. "In a theatre of operations like Afghanistan, it often happens that munitions reach their expiry date before being used," says Master Warrant Officer Yannick Godbout. 03/23/2011 04/06/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_03_23.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 03/23/2011 C Squadron has been working for more than 80 days on the new road leading to Mushan, a project that has presented us with constant challenges and increasingly complex problems. Over the past few months, C Squadron combat team has become known for its work on the road. 03/23/2011 04/06/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2011/2011_03_10.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 03/11/2011 Today, the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced $250,000 in additional funding for the Afghan Canadian Community Centre (ACCC). This funding will allow the ACCC to continue providing successful literacy courses and training in Kandahar city. 03/11/2011 03/25/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2011/2011_03_08.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 03/08/2011 On this International Women's Day, people around the world will celebrate the great strides that have been made over the last century in the advancement of women's rights. In Afghanistan, we applaud the positive changes that have taken place while recognizing the continuing challenges Afghan women face. 03/08/2011 03/22/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/news-nouvelles/2011/2011_03_07.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 03/08/2011 Canada's work in Afghanistan has made a direct contribution to improve the lives of women and girls. As Canada transitions its programming in 2011, there will continue to be an emphasis on improving the lives of women and girls, with a particular focus on education and health. 03/08/2011 03/22/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_03_07.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 03/07/2011 Operation Hamaghe Shay (“Same Team”) took place in Panjwayi District from 16 February to 18 February 2011. Led and largely planned by the officers of Kandak 6, 1st Brigade 205 (Hero) Corps Afghan National Army (Kandak 6/1/205 ANA), its primary objective was to clear the village of Nakhonay and the surrounding countryside of insurgents and their stockpiles of weapons, bomb-making materials and illegal drugs. 03/07/2011 03/21/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_03_07a.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 03/07/2011 We are officers of Kandak Mentor Team 5, the group that works with Kandak 5, the combat service support batallion of the 1st Brigade, 205 (Hero) Corps of the Afghan National Army (ANA). We arrived in theatre on 1 December 2010 with the firm intention of following up the excellent work of our predecessors. We planned to begin our work where previous rotations left off, with the objective of bringing Kandak 5 as close as possible to self-sufficiency and independence from the coalition forces. 03/07/2011 03/21/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/focus/2011_02_23.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 03/01/2011 March 8th is International Women’s Day. This day celebrates the achievements of women worldwide and focuses on what more can be achieved to bring greater equality and justice to all. Worldwide, events are organized to bring attention to the economic, political and social advances of women. 03/01/2011 03/16/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/focus/2011_02_22a.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 03/01/2011 Since May 2010, some 50 schools, universities, libraries and community centres across Canada have hosted Kandahar Through Afghan Eyes 2010, an exhibit consisting of 30 photos and poems by a group of Kandaharis aged 18 to 23. Of the 15 youth taking part in the project, five are girls, and their work has not gone unnoticed here in Canada. 03/01/2011 03/16/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/focus/2011_02_22.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 03/01/2011 As part of International Development Week (IDW) which took place the week of February 6, 2011, a series of public engagement activities were organized at universities, colleges and schools across Canada by CIDA's Afghanistan and Pakistan Task Force (APTF). 03/01/2011 03/16/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_02_22b.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 03/01/2011 As a result of decades of war and hardship, Afghanistan has some of the lowest literacy rates and educational levels in the world. Educating Afghan youth is vital to developing a better future for this country. Education will help the next generation of doctors, teachers, business owners and government workers to create a better future for all Afghans. 03/01/2011 03/16/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/stories-reportages/2011_02_22a.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 03/01/2011 arrived in Afghanistan on September 14, 2010. A few days later, I flew into my posting at Camp Nathan Smith. I was assigned to an assessment team, which included American counterparts. Working in pairs, we were transported by military convoy to various police sub-stations (PSSs) within Kandahar City. 03/01/2011 03/16/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/embassy-ambassade/2011_02_21.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 03/01/2011 In January 2011, William Crosbie, Canada's Ambassador to Afghanistan embarked on a tour of East Coast Canada where he met with a number of university students as well as business and government officials in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. During these meetings the Ambassador discussed Canada's engagement in Afghanistan and its renewed focus beyond 2011. 03/01/2011 03/16/2011 http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/embassy-ambassade/2011_02_22.aspx?lang=eng DFAIT 03/01/2011 On February 10, 2011, Canada's Ambassador to Afghanistan William Crosbie met with newly-elected female Afghan parliamentarians where he congratulated them for their courage and determination in becoming part of a generation of women who are providing a powerful voice for democratic rights in their country. 03/01/2011 03/16/2011