Canada’s participation in Afghanistan is part of a United Nations mandated effort to fight terrorism, support a democratically elected government and lay the foundations for human rights.

Last fall Prime Minister Harper appointed former Liberal Foreign Affairs Minister and Deputy Prime Minister John Manley to Chair an Independent Panel on Canada’s Future Role in Afghanistan. The panel was mandated to review, analyze and make recommendations on Canada’s future engagement in Afghanistan beyond February 2009, the date committed to by Parliament.

After months of study and investigation the Panel issued a balanced, thoughtful and comprehensive report to Canadians. The Prime Minister has spoken with Mr. Manley and advised him that our Government broadly accepts the recommendations put forward.

More precisely, we accept the panel’s specific recommendation of extending Canada’s mission in Afghanistan if certain conditions are met; namely, the securing of a NATO partner or partners in Kandahar province with additional combat troops and equipment capabilities.

Our government recognizes that we cannot continue beyond 2009 without the deployment of at least 1000 additional troops from our NATO allies to the Kandahar region. The Prime Minister has been in contact with the leaders of other NATO countries, seeking their support for this objective.

Once additional international cooperation has been confirmed, our government will bring a motion before Parliament, seeking support for Canada’s way forward.

For more information on the Expert Panel’s report, please visit http://www.independent-panel-independant.ca/
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