Edmonton-based soldiers head overseas as part of Operation Unifier
About 90 Edmonton-based soldiers took off from the Edmonton International Airport on Friday morning for a training mission with the Ukrainian army.
The soldiers are taking part in Operation Unifier, which was originally launched in 2015 to provide training for Ukrainian soldiers after the annexation of Crimea.
“They’re training new recruits fresh off the street, volunteered to serve, volunteered to defend their country, and we’ll be training them in very basic soldiering skills,” said Lt.-Col. Michael Mallatte.
“So basic weapons handling, combat, basic first aid, very low level tactics, some law of armed conflict, explosive hazard awareness, the things that are going to help them live, survive, and thrive on the battlefield when they go back to defend their own land.”
The program was paused shortly before war broke out in Ukraine earlier this year, but last week Defence Minister Anita Anand announced that it would resume.
“Training missions like this, assisting our allies and our partners when they are under attack, is what we do,” Anand said in a virtual press conference. “It is a priority for us as a country to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and with our allies.”
Previously, soldiers held the training in Ukraine, but now they will be based out of England.
Upon arrival, Canadian troops will join partners from Britain, the Netherlands and New Zealand.
“They’re very excited. Humbled to be given this opportunity to do this with the Ukrainians,” Col. Phil Bourke told CTV News Edmonton.
“As a soldier it has a lot of meaning. It is very important.”
Bourke says a contingent of Canadian soldiers just returned from Poland, where they helped Ukrainian refugees get settled.
He added the group that left Friday morning is excited for the mission.
“This contingent again has the opportunity to do something very concrete, and training Ukrainian soldiers is a privilege.”
The troops are scheduled to spend four months on the mission.
“We’ll see what the future brings. If the conditions are right for us to stay, that’s a call for the government and the army to make,” Mallette said.
Another 100 soldiers are expected to depart from Edmonton on Monday.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Nicole Lampa and the Canadian Press.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.