With the launch of Operation Apollo, Canada has joined the military campaign against terrorism in Afghanistan. Operation Apollo will involve 2, 000 personnel from the Canadian Army, Navy and Air Force. This contribution exceeds the 1, 500 Armed Forces personnel deployed by Canada during the Persian Gulf War. The primary objective of Operation Apollo is to provide protection, surveillance and other naval support activities for American naval groups stationed in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea. Other objectives may include the provision of humanitarian aid in Afghanistan and covert operations behind enemy lines. Art Eggleton, Canada’s Minister of National Defence, asserted that, while Canada is not at war, it will be an integral part of the international campaign against terrorism. He also stated that

He Said, She Said “I cannot promise that the campaign against terrorism will be painless. But I can promise that it will be won!” Prime Minister Jean Chretien

Canada will participate in the campaign as long as required. In addition to Operation Apollo, Canada will also increase the number of CF-18 fighter jets in NORAD and will continue to share intelligence gathering capabilities and analysis with the United States and other participating nations.

Both the United States and NATO have expressed their appreciation for Canada’s contribution to the war on terrorism. At home, the Canadian Alliance Party and the Progressive Conservative Party have publicly supported the war against terrorism and Canada’s military contribution. In contrast, the New Democratic Party and the Bloc Quebecois have questioned the need to sacrifice Canadian soldiers and have stated that the chief goal should be to try terrorists before international courts and tribunals.

Department of National Defence and Operation Apollo
Read PM Jean Chretien’s Speech Concerning the Deployment of Canadian Troops
Read What the New Democratic Party of Canada Says About Operation Apollo