Event Summary:
General Rick Hillier
Chief of the Defence Staff, Canadian Forces
March 18, 2005 King Edward Hotel, Toronto
Summary by Tomislav Ivancic, CIIA Student Intern (University of Toronto)
Addressing a diverse crowd of diplomats, academics and journalists, the Canadian Chief of Defence General Rick Hillier illustrated Canada’s vital military contributions to resolving various conflicts across the world. The General emphasized that from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Afghanistan, Canadian forces have played an integral role in reconstruction efforts.
He recalled a 2001 diplomatic offensive in Banja Luka (Bosnia), where Canadian forces were at the helm of protecting the international community amid a violent civilian uprising. He stressed that situations such as these exemplify the need and importance of participatory action in working with local police forces in the field.
However, General Hillier also believes that there are numerous obstacles and predicaments that affect Canadian military presence, much of which is outside of the authority of ground forces. Discussing the current position of Afghanistan, the Chief of Defence explained how the trafficking of drugs is becoming a great concern to not only Afghanistan, but all of Central Asia and the Middle East. He stressed that this ominous circumstance could easily mushroom, where Afghanistan could subsequently become a Mecca for an international opium exchange.
Within the home front, Hillier expressed the importance of managing Canada’s national interests given Washington’s foreign policy. He conveyed his optimism and confidence in Canada’s strength, communicating that regardless of international activities, Canada will remain focused on defending its own interests and citizens first.
In closing, General Hillier announced that the Department of National Defence will ‘beef up’ advertising campaigns directed towards potential recruits, emphasizing that this is imperative to maintaining the future of both Canada and its Armed Forces.
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