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Government of Canada Tables 10th Quarterly Report on Canada’s Engagement in Afghanistan
(No. 387 - December 8, 2010 - 4:45 p.m. ET) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the Cabinet Committee on Afghanistan, today released the Government of Canada’s 10th quarterly report on Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan. The report covers the period from July 1 to September 30, 2010, and focuses on the progress achieved on Canada’s six priorities and three signature projects in Afghanistan, through the lens of security.
“Improving security is at the core of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan,” said Minister Cannon. “It is a factor in every element of daily life for Afghans, and has an impact on the delivery of basic services, the development of village-level governance and even the holding of national elections.”
The capacity of the Afghan National Security Forces contributed to an increased perception of security among Kandaharis. According to polling results, a majority of Kandaharis felt safe in their communities in four of the six key districts. This is an increase of three districts over last quarter. Province-wide, a full 60 percent of Kandaharis felt safe in their communities.
“The growing capacity of the Afghan National Security Forces reflects their ability to provide security for Afghans, including for major events such as the Kabul Conference and the September parliamentary elections,” said Minister Cannon.
Other notable achievements include:
- Canadian-supported training programs at Sarpoza Prison progressed, and a basic training program was delivered by Afghan correctional trainers—the result of a Correctional Service Canada train-the-trainer program.
- Canada helped complete seven more schools, bringing the total to date to 26.
- Canada advanced toward rehabilitating the Dahla Dam and irrigation system; canal surveying was conducted on 10 sub-canals.
- Canada continued to support efforts to eradicate polio at the national level. One national vaccination campaign was held this quarter that, in Kandahar, reached 364,000 children.
- The Afghan National Customs Academy graduated its third class of students, for a total of 144 officers trained. The Canada Border Services Agency continued to provide training, mentoring and curriculum development to the Academy.
The 10th quarterly report on Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan is available at Canada’s Engagement in Afghanistan - Quarterly Report to Parliament for the period of July 1 to September 30, 2010.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Melissa Lantsman
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
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