Canada has signed an agreement to upgrade Latvia’s NATO-led brigade to a brigade, although the government says it is too early to say whether this will mean the deployment of additional Canadian troops. Prime Minister Justin Trinto oversaw a small ceremony as Defense Minister Anita Anand and her Latvian counterpart signed the agreement on the sidelines of a major NATO summit in Spain, where Russia’s war in Ukraine was at the forefront. Trindo said the agreement sets out the next steps for the Canadian-led battle group in Latvia, “given Russia’s more aggressive stance.” “This is a commitment made by the Canadian government together with Latvia to work with our allies to move forward and increase a battalion and brigade force in Latvia,” Anad told reporters later. The Canadian-led NATO-led combat team in Latvia includes about 2,000 troops, including 700 Canadians, and is one of eight such Eastern European-based combat units designed to prevent and defend against any Russian invasion. . UN Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed on Monday that the eight battle groups would increase in brigade-level forces, which would mean doubling the number of troops between 3,000 and 5,000. Germany and Britain have both said in recent weeks that they are ready to lead larger combat units in Lithuania and Estonia, respectively, and there have been questions about whether Canada would follow suit. However, even when Anand and Latvian Defense Minister Artis Pampriks praised the agreement, they also described it as a first step in a longer process of determining exactly which countries will contribute new troops and equipment. The new brigade will require not only more troops, Anand said, but also additional equipment and capabilities such as anti-tank weapons, air defense as well as upgraded command and control units and ammunition. Anand left the door open for Canada to provide some of these additional forces, but said details of building the new unit would depend on discussions with various NATO members about their ability to help. This even includes the final magnitude of the force, which neither Anand nor Pabriks could accurately describe. The census has already begun, said Anand, who noted that the Canadian-led battle group includes troops from 10 other alliance countries, making it the most diverse such unit in the region. “We need to make sure we hear from all Member States and understand what their respective capabilities are, including our own, and then make decisions about how to increase troop numbers,” he said. “But, as I said, it’s too early.” The Latvian battle force includes an artillery unit with about 100 Canadian soldiers recently added in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Canada has also promised several senior officers in the country. The battle group is in addition to many naval warships currently being deployed with two NATO teams across Europe along with transport and surveillance aircraft. NATO has steadily stepped up its presence since the first hints of a possible invasion in January, effectively dissolving its forces to prevent Russia from choosing a battle with an allied nation. If Russia were to cross into NATO territory, it would spark an international war between dozens of countries, as an attack on an allied nation would be considered an attack on all 30. The new deal was announced hours after Canada came to the fore, as Stoltenberg said he expects Canada to fulfill its commitment to increase defense spending to meet the needs of an increasingly dangerous world. He made the remarks at a news conference on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Spain after the first of many meetings with Trinto and other leaders. Among the many decisions Stoltenberg said were made by leaders was a renewed commitment by all members to spend at least 2% of national GDP on defense, a goal first agreed in 2014. “Two percent is increasingly seen as the floor, not the ceiling,” he said. However, while the vast majority of allies have already met the limit or have made specific plans to reach it by 2024, Stoltenberg said some have made “specific commitments” without a specific timetable. Canada is almost certainly in the last group, as the Liberal government has refused to publicly commit to the 2% target, let alone set a timetable for meeting it. In fact, a report released by Stoltenberg on Monday predicted that Canada’s defense spending would actually fall as a percentage of GDP to 1.27 percent this year. That compares with 1.32 percent last year and 1.42 percent in 2020. The parliamentary budget office has estimated that it would cost $ 75 billion over five years to meet NATO’s goal. Asked about Canada’s defense spending, Stoltenberg told reporters he understood the desire of taxpayers to spend dollars on health care, education and infrastructure. But he said members should invest in defense as the world becomes more dangerous. “I expect all allies to abide by the guidelines we have set,” he said. “So, of course, this is a message to all allies, including Canada.” However, Stoltenberg praised Canada for leading the battle team in Latvia. Secretary of State Melanie Joly said when pressed by reporters about defense spending that Canadians can be proud of the country’s work in NATO and the Ukrainian conflict in general. Jolie stressed the role of diplomacy in responding to Russia’s aggression. He announced that Canada would open embassies and appoint ambassadors to Estonia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Armenia, and strengthen its diplomatic presence in Latvia. “We believe that diplomacy remains one of the most effective ways to support security and stability and also to meet the challenges in a world experiencing profound geopolitical change,” Jolie said. Stoltenberg, meanwhile, said leaders had adopted a new strategic vision to guide the alliance’s defense for the next decade, which identifies Russia as a serious threat to NATO. The newspaper adds that members “cannot rule out the possibility of an attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the allies.” NATO leaders also formally invited Finland and Sweden to join the alliance and promised a new aid package for Ukraine, including secure communications, body armor and anti-drone weapons. This Canadian Press report was first published on June 29, 2022. – With archives from Lee Berthiaume in Ottawa.
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