Canada is in Afghanistan today at the request of the Afghan government. We are there to:
Defend Our Nations Interestes
We have national interests in a secure and self-sufficient democratic state that never again serves as a terrorist haven.
Ensure Canadian Leadership in World Affairs
Nation-building takes time and requires sustained support. Abandoning Afghanistan prematurely would have consequences for Canadaian interests, international security and Afghans themselves.
Help Afghanistan Rebuild
Much progrss has been made to date; but the work on the ground must continue. With the full support of the Afghan government, Canada is helping the Afghan people bring stability to their country, strengthen goverance and reduce poverty.
KEY FIGURES
$1 Billion - Canada's total contribution (2001-2011) in development aid. Afghanistan is Canada's largest recipient of bilateral development assistance.
157,000 - Number of recipients (78% women) of loans totaling US$12 million. Canada is a lead donor of microfinance to Afghans.
10,800 - Number of heavy weapons cantoned in Afghanistan-the same tanks, heavy artillery and other weapons that were used to destroy much of the counrty. Canada was instrumental is establishing the cantonment process, which is 97% complete.
2,300 - Number of Canadaian Forces (CF) personnel comprising Task Force Afghanistan, currently deployed to improve the security situation in southern Afghanistan. Since 2001, over 14,000 CF personnel have been deployed to Afghanistan as part of the UN-supported ISAF and OEF missions.
12 million - Number of Afghans who registered to vote in successive, successful elections. Canada has contributed greatly to democratic development in Afghanistan, through financial contribution, deployment of election observers and provision of security.
4.8 million - Number of Afghan children- one third of them girls- that are back in school.
70 - Number of diplomatic officers dedicated to supporting the efforts of our embassy in Kabul, both at headquarters and at various missions abroad; such strong political support ensures the strategic coordination of Canadian involvment in fghanistan.
This information was taken off the National Defence website. For more info please follow this link: www.canada-afghanistan.gc.ca/mission-en.asp
