Edmonton-based soldiers head to Latvia as part of NATO mission
As the war on in Ukraine rages on, more than 100 Canadian soldiers are on their way to join NATO forces in Latvia as part of Operation Reassurance.
The troops, primarily based out of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, will be away for six months.
“Canada maintains a battle group in Latvia and we just rotate those soldiers every six months or so,” Maj. John Miller said.
Operation Reassurance dates back to 2014.
“Started in Poland, and the mission evolved over time and now we’re heavily invested in the country of Latvia itself.”
“We’re working to deter any aggression against Latvia as well as prevent any additional aggression inside Eastern Europe.”
Latvia borders on Russia.
“Basically NATO has called for help to essentially ring Russia and basically form an alliance that will prevent any other aggressions or security concerns in that part of the world.”
The Canadian troops will join soldiers from nine other NATO countries for training and integration into the Latvian army.
“If anyone does attack Latvia, we’re fighting with the Latvian army,” Miller said.
He added that some of the soldiers are being deployed for the first time, while others have been to Latvia before.
“For ones that are going back repeatedly they’re usually in a higher level job so it’s a new set of challenges so I would say generally overall there’s a feeling of excitement.”
A Latvian ambassador said Operation Reassurance does just that for the country’s citizens.
“We feel secure regardless of the fact that there is a war next to our doors,” Kaspars Ozolins said.
He also thanked the soldiers, who will be away from their families at Christmas.
“I also want to extend thanks to the family that are supporting soldiers to their mission to Latvia, for us it is very, very important mission.”
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Amanda Anderson.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada, G7 urge 'all parties' to de-escalate in growing Mideast conflict
Canada called for "all parties" to de-escalate rising tensions in the Mideast following an apparent Israeli drone attack against Iran overnight.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
'It was all my savings': Ontario woman loses $15K to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
After COVID, WHO defines disease spread 'through air'
The World Health Organization and around 500 experts have agreed for the first time on what it means for a disease to spread through the air, in a bid to avoid the confusion early in the COVID-19 pandemic that some scientists have said cost lives.
Taylor Swift drops 15 new songs on double album, 'The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology'
On Friday, the pop star released her 11th album and at 2 a.m. Eastern, she released "The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology," featuring 15 additional songs.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.