October
12, 2007
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the creation
of the Independent Panel on Canada’s Future Role
in Afghanistan. The panel’s role will be to advise
Parliament on options for the mission after the current
mandate ends in February, 2009.
“I am pleased to announce the formation of an independent
panel of eminent Canadians who will consider our options
and provide expert non-partisan advice that will help
parliamentarians make our decision,” said the Prime
Minister.
Chaired by former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister
of Foreign Affairs John Manley, the panel will examine
four main options, while not excluding others:
1. Continue training the Afghan army and police so Canada
can begin withdrawing its forces in February 2009;
2. Focus on reconstruction and have forces from another
country take over security in Kandahar;
3. Shift Canadian security and reconstruction effort
to another region in Afghanistan;
4. Withdraw all Canadian military except a minimal force
to protect aid workers and diplomats.
The panel, which is to report to the Prime Minister and
the Canadian public at the end of January 2008, is expected
to conduct its deliberations while keeping in mind the
sacrifices Canadians have made to date in Afghanistan,
the potential for deterioration in security and development,
Canada’s obligations to NATO and the United Nations,
and the implications for Canada’s international
reputation.
In addition to Mr. Manley, the panel includes former
federal Cabinet Minister Jake Epp, former Clerk of the
Privy Council Paul Tellier, former Canadian Ambassador
to the United States Derek Burney, and Pamela Wallin,
former Canadian Consul General in New York City.
“These individuals represent a wealth of experience
in foreign affairs and each one of them has demonstrated
their commitment to Canada through years of public service,”
said Prime Minister Harper. “I have no doubt they
will examine the issues honestly, fairly, and expertly,
and offer wise, impartial counsel that will help Parliamentarians
and all Canadians choose the right course for Canada in
Afghanistan.”
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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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