Prime Minister Visits with President Obama

President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Stephen Harper met in Washington D.C. on September 16. While the focus of the meeting was to discuss common approaches to accelerating economic recovery in North America and globally, the Leaders also reviewed developments on a number of shared foreign policy priorities, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Middle East peace, and the Americas. In particular, they reiterated their shared commitment to helping the Afghan government prevent Afghanistan from again becoming a base for terrorism. Read the joint statement by President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Fifth Quarterly Report on Afghanistan Released

On September 15, 2009, the Government of Canada tabled in Parliament its fifth quarterly report on Afghanistan. Covering the period of April 1st to June 30, 2009, this report outlines the challenges and progress that have been made in achieving Canada's goals in Afghanistan. Read the report and the news release.

What's New

Governor General Visits Afghanistan

Governor General Michaëlle Jean touched down in Afghanistan in early September for a two-day tour of Canadian operations at the Kandahar Airfield (KAF) and at the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team (KPRT). Read more.

Minister Cannon Visits Istanbul

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, led a delegation to the Friends of Democratic Pakistan Ministerial Meeting on August 25, 2009, in Istanbul, Turkey. The meeting, co-chaired by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi of Pakistan and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu of Turkey, focused on a strategy presented by Pakistan for socio-economic development in the Malakand District in the North West Frontier Province, as well as on strategic issues concerning stability in the country overall. Read the news release.

Training Afghan National Police for the Elections

"Along with the rest of our contingent, I arrived in theatre on June 26th, 2009. It is hard to believe that more than two months have passed since then. For most of us it has been a very busy summer. Our first week was spent at Camp Nathan Smith in Kandahar, acclimatizing and training specifically for our Mission." Read the story from the field.

In Action with Stabilization Company A

March 20, 2009, marked the long-awaited outcome of more than a year of training for members of the 1st Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment, when they deployed to serve with Stabilization Company A (Stab) of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team (KPRT). This day was a big step for most of the soldiers, who were facing their first tour. Read the story from the field.

KPRT Stands by its Afghan Neighbours and Friends for the Celebration of Eid-al-Fitr

On September 14, 2009, the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team (KPRT) donated goods to 275 needy families living near Camp Nathan Smith as a goodwill gesture in preparation for Eid-al-Fitr. Eid-al-Fitr, the Festival of Fast-Breaking, is a joyous three-day celebration that marks the end of Ramadan for Muslims all over the world. This year, it falls on September 20. Read the story from the field.

Kandahar PRT Operations Going Great

Camp Nathan Smith, Afghanistan — And here we are, already four months in Kandahar and less and less is truly new to us. The city, the landscape and the people are now more familiar, and we’re into the groove. But watch out — it’s the old electrician who gets the shock! Everyone is still very aware that we must not drop our guard. Read the story from the field.

Message from Canada's New Ambassador to Afghanistan,
William Crosbie

"I am honoured to be Canada’s fifth ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. My arrival coincides with a crucial time in Afghanistan’s young democracy. In August, the first presidential and provincial council elections organized by Afghans took place and in 2010 the first Parliamentary Afghan-led elections will occur." Read Ambassador Crosbie's message and a set of Questions and Answers with the ambassador.

Canada Appoints New Representative in Kandahar

On September 23, 2009, the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced the appointment of Ben Rowswell as the new Representative of
Canada in Kandahar (RoCK). Read more.

Video: Kandahar University

Kandahar University has undergone many physical and social changes in recent years. Enrolment has increased, more women are attending classes and faculties and spaces have undergone restructuring and repairs. Canada’s contribution to Kandahar University through its Kandahar Local Initiatives Program (KLIP) makes up an important component of one of Canada’s six priorities in Afghanistan. Watch the video.

Photo Gallery

View a selection of election photos from Kandahar City and Kabul in our Flickr gallery.

Afghanistan360°

Since its launch in June 2009, the Government of Canada’s multimedia exhibit Afghanistan360° has toured several cities across the country. The exhibit tells the story of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan through photos and text, podcasts and videos. Afghanistan360° is available for your community to host.

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

KPRT Goes Greener While Helping Local Business

Every month, some 8,000 empty water bottles make their way from Camp Nathan Smith, home of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team (KPRT), to Faizul Haq Moshkani’s recycling plant. Since 2006, the KPRT has contributed its used water bottles to Mr Moshkani’s quest for a cleaner Kandahar City. Read the story from the field.

AfCam

Combat Camera

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