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
'They needed people inside Air Canada:' Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter banned from NBA
Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter has been handed a lifetime ban from The National Basketball Association (NBA) following an investigation which found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, the league says.
WATCH LIVE As GC Strategies partner is admonished by MPs, RCMP confirms search warrant executed
The RCMP confirmed Wednesday it had executed a search warrant at an address registered to GC Strategies. This development comes as MPs are enacting an extraordinary, rarely used parliamentary power, summoning one of its contractors to appear before the House of Commons to be admonished publicly for failing to answer questions related to the ArriveCan app.
Woman who pressured boyfriend to kill his ex in 2000s granted absences from prison
A woman who pressured her boyfriend into killing his teenage ex more than a decade ago will be allowed to leave prison for weeks at a time.
Attempt to have murder charge quashed against alleged serial killer dismissed by judge
A motion filed by the man accused of killing four Indigenous women in Winnipeg to have one of those murder charges quashed has been dismissed by the judge – weeks before the start of his trial.
Earthquake jolts southern Japan
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4 hit southern Japan late on Wednesday, said the Japan Meteorological Agency, without issuing a tsunami warning.
Disappointment widespread over budget's proposed $200-month disability benefit funding
Advocacy groups across Canada are expressing widespread disappointment about the amount of funding earmarked in the 2024 federal budget for the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit.
Former Sask. massage therapist who sexually assaulted clients has day parole revoked
A former massage therapist who pleaded guilty to a string of sexual assaults has had his day parole revoked.