Peacekeeping operations

Then and now

Like our 150th anniversary, we reflect on our storied past in peacekeeping. Since 1989, more than 4,000 Canadian police officers have participated in more than 60 peace operations abroad.

The first deployment to a peacekeeping operation for the RCMP was to Namibia. It was part of the United Nations Transition Assistance Group. A 100-member RCMP contingent deployed to monitor the South West African Police and to attend to polling stations during the first democratic elections in Namibia.

Today, our deployment numbers are lower, but our impact is just as meaningful. By deploying specialized police teams or in specific roles, such as Gender Advisors or Human Rights Monitors, we can make a targeted difference in fragile and conflict-affected states.

Canada deploys police officers and civilian experts to peace and stabilization missions through the Canadian Police Arrangement, a partnership between the RCMP, Public Safety Canada and Global Affairs Canada.

The RCMP also partners with 32 Provincial, Regional, Municipal and Indigenous police agencies to deploy personnel under the Canadian Police Arrangement.

The goal of the Canadian Police Arrangement is to support the Government of Canada's commitments to build a more secure world through Canadian participation in international peacekeeping and peace support operations, which are critical to longer-term security system reform and conflict-prevention efforts.

The history behind the day

Did you know? Every year on August 9, Canada marks National Peacekeepers' Day to honour and remember the significant service and sacrifices of all Canadian peacekeepers, including police efforts.

Officially established in 2008, the date was chosen to commemorate the events of August 9, 1974. Nine Canadian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Emergency Force in Egypt and Israel lost their lives when their plane was shot down over Syria.

Although police officers were not involved in that incident, we, too, have experienced loss during peacekeeping missions. In the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the RCMP lost two members – Chief Superintendent Douglas Coates and Sergeant Mark Gallagher. In their effort to better the lives of others, Doug and Mark ultimately gave their lives in the service of peace.

Ceremonies are held across Canada, including a national ceremony at the Peacekeeping monument in Ottawa, on the Sunday closest to August 9. This commemorative year, the Ottawa ceremony will take place on August 13, open to all who would like to pay respect.

Dedication to a cause

Canadian police are deployed to some of the world's most challenging places in the service of peace. They make significant sacrifices to serve overseas. They face considerable hardships, all while spending a year apart from their loved ones.

It's not surprising that in 1988 the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to peacekeepers. Their efforts have made important contributions towards reducing tensions where a cease-fire has been negotiated but a peace treaty has yet to be established.

National Peacekeepers' Day affords Canadians the opportunity to express their pride not only in members of the Canadian Armed Forces, but also in members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, partner police agencies, and members of the diplomatic corps and civilians who have supported and continue to support international and domestic peace and stabilization operations.