Operation Kantolo - Canada’s Approach To Security, Governance, Reconstruction And Development In Kandahar

Operation Kantolo concentrates Canada’s efforts in Kandahar province by focusing on key geographic areas, particularly those where the population density is the highest – such as the areas in and around Kandahar City.

With the arrival of considerable US military and civilian resources in southern Afghanistan in the coming months, Canada has refocused its civilian and military efforts in a more concentrated area to deliver better results against our six priorities and associated benchmarks. The plan was developed in close collaboration with the Government of Afghanistan, with provincial and local Afghan officials, and the international community. To find out more.

Canada Appoints Next Ambassador to Afghanistan

Mr. William Crosbie will succeed Ron Hoffmann to become Canada’s fifth head of mission in Kabul since Canada re-established diplomatic relations with Afghanistan in 2002. To find out more.

Outgoing Ambassador Hoffmann reflects on two years in Afghanistan

After two years in Afghanistan, first as deputy head of mission at the Embassy of Canada in Kabul and then as Canada’s Ambassador to Afghanistan since September 2008, Ambassador Hoffmann reflects on the endeavours Canada has undertaken and the successes our country has achieved in Afghanistan during this time. To find out more.

Minister Cannon addressed the United Nations Security Council Debate on the situation in Afghanistan.

"We continue to learn, adjust, and improve the delivery of our assistance to Afghanistan. This includes the elaboration of clear, time-bound priorities, benchmarks, targets and indicators to guide our work nationally and in Kandahar. It also includes a strengthened civilian presence in Kandahar, and a focus on the humanitarian situation confronting the Afghan people". To find out more.

Government of Canada congratulates Afghan graduates from Canadian-sponsored Junior Officer Staff Course (JOSC)

The Staff and Language Training Centre is a joint initiative between Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (CEFCOM) and Canada’s Military Training Assistance Programme (MTAP). Canadian Forces educational experts worked side-by-side with the ANA to develop the JOSC, which helps prepare junior Afghan National Army officers for such things as the planning and coordination of military operations. To find out more.

What's New

How to Celebrate and Serve Canada

Canadians serving overseas took every opportunity to celebrate our country’s 142nd birthday on Wednesday, July 1, 2009. Canada Day started off with a sports afternoon for all available personnel, which is a big deal when you work 12+ hours a day, seven days a week during a tour of 6-10 months! To find out more.

NATO recognizes achievements of CF member

MCpl Dickinson received the NATO Meritorious Service Medal for his work with the Kandahar Intelligence Fusion Center during his tour in Afghanistan in 2007. A corporal at the time of his tour, MCpl Dickinson is the most junior member of the Canadian Forces to receive this decoration. To find out more.

Civilian Participation at Exercise Maple Guardian

For the first time, Exercise Maple Guardian 0902 saw the full-scale participation of Canadian civilians deploying to the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan, with more than 70 civilians from DFAIT, CIDA, Corrections Canada, PCO and the RCMP engaging as full-partners with their Canadian Forces counterparts both within the exercise and in the planning phases of Maple Guardian.  To find out more

TF 3-09 Battle Group Steps Closer to Afghanistan

Exercise MAPLE GUARDIAN saw approximately 2800 soldiers from Task Force 3-09 descend on Wainwright to conduct a validation exercise end-May to mid-June. The pace of the exercise was extremely high, simulating a six month tour in 15 days. Read a summary of the event.

Fourth Quarterly Report on Afghanistan Released

The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade, Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Chair of the Cabinet Committee on Afghanistan, released the Government of Canada’s fourth quarterly report on Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan on June 3rd 2009. In particular, the report for the quarter ending March 31, 2009, outlines progress in advancing the rule of law. Read the news release.

Charities in two nations benefit from Air Force 'Shadow' Run

There is a connection between troops deployed overseas and those still serving at home. Never is that connection more evident than when we work together on something, both in Canada and thousands of miles away in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Like the inaugural Air Force Run on May 31. The oven-like weather did nothing to quash enthusiasm for the run. To find out more.

Turquoise Mountain Video

The growing city of Kabul is alive with energy and life. The streets are full of vendors, bicycles weave in an out of busy roadways; even once desolate soccer pitches are filled with children. To be sure, by global standards, it remains a relatively dangerous city. But the arts for example, are finding a way to flourish. One organization that is doing a great deal to encourage the re-birth of Afghan culture is Turquoise Mountain – a relatively small foundation operating in the heart of the city. Watch the video.

Building Peace with More Police

With the sun shining brightly overhead and the Hindu Kush mountains of Kabul all around, the Afghan National Police (ANP) honour guard anxiously awaited the arrival of their guests. Making last minute adjustments under the watchful eye of their commander, the young officers were at ease, and ready for the special event. As the guests of honour began to arrive, they snapped to attention, and awaited inspection. To find out more.

Crime scene management in Kandahar

Five members of the ANP Criminal Investigation Division completed the six-week training. The students were hand-picked by their supervisors to participate in the course conducted by Canada at the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team (KPRT) training center. To find out more.

Close Encounters of an Educational Kind: Afghan students’ unique connections with two Canadian schools

Education is part of Canada’s priority to support basic service delivery in Afghanistan, and is a major focus of Canadian efforts there. Canada is in fact the lead donor in Afghanistan’s national education program, and this has led to new bonds between Afghan students and Canadian educational institutions. Read the story from the field or view the photo album.

Building bridges in Afghanistan : Multinational effort improves infrastructure for Afghans

In the sweltering summer heat of southern Afghanistan, field engineers from Canada and the United States are teaching 60 Romanian Army counterparts how to construct steel bridges over the streams and wadis of the region. To find out more.

Afghanistan360°: A new exhibit provides an up close experience of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan

Many Canadians across the country will have a chance to learn more about Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan through a new multimedia exhibit called Afghanistan360°. With engaging content and graphics, the exhibit also features touch-screens and videos, offering options that include the opportunity to record a 15-second video message to Canadian soldiers and civilians in Afghanistan. To find out more.

In keeping with Canada’s priorities on Afghanistan, the Afghanistan Challenge is an initiative that matches the funds raised by Canadian organizations, who are directly involved in the development effort in Afghanistan. By making small-scale donations over the Internet, which are matched dollar-for-dollar by their Government, Canadians are able to contribute to the development project of their choice, led and facilitated by Canadian partners.

How can I help Afghan women become independent and support their families?
Fund a scholarship for Afghan women

How can I help Afghans earn a living? Finance a micro-loan

How can I help build a school?
Support children's education

Canada Announces $12 Million in Additional Support for Rule of Law in Afghanistan

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Canada will help strengthen the rule of law in Afghanistan, one of Canada’s six priorities in the country, through an additional contribution of $12 million to support Afghan police salaries. To find out more.

Did you know?

On June 6, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade participated for the second year running in the annual Doors Open Ottawa event. To find out more

Photo Gallery

View a selection of photos from the Afghanistan scenery gallery.

AfCam

Combat Camera

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