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Backgrounder

British Armed Forces' Training in Canada (BATIC) Agreement

BG-06.020 - July 20, 2006

Background

British Armed Forces’ Training in Canada is currently governed by an Exchange of Notes, originally completed in 1971 and renewed in 1979 and 1991. The current Exchange of Notes was to expire in August 2006. Under the Exchanges of Notes, the British military has conducted training exercise in Canada for decades. The BATIC Agreement differs from the previous Exchange of Notes in that it will remain in force indefinitely and not require periodic renewal.

International Perspective

Foreign military training for our NATO Allies is an important part of Canada’s contribution to the Alliance. Ensuring that its members are capable of adapting to the evolving security environment, both individually and collectively, remains a continual challenge for NATO. Through the provision of training opportunities for Allies, Canada increases the ability of the Canadian Forces to work together with our allies and effectively support NATO’s agenda of successfully conducting ongoing operations, transforming for the future, and enhancing partnerships.

The alliance's enduring purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of all its members by political and military means. The dividends of Canada's investment in NATO include access to strategic information, exercises with allied forces, and an equal voice in high-level decisions affecting Euro-Atlantic security and stability.

Canada-UK Defence Relations

Canada and the United Kingdom enjoy significant and mutually beneficial defence relations, marked by close and frequent contact at the strategic, operational and tactical level. Elements of this relationship include partnership in combined operations in the Balkans and Afghanistan, military staff talks, personnel exchanges, equipment design, procurement, and training. The Canada-UK defence relationship will continue to be an important part of Canada’s defence policy for the foreseeable future.

This agreement formalizes the terms of British military training in Canada and ensures that Canada will continue to benefit from a positive training relationship with a longstanding ally. Having this Agreement in place will make it easier for the UK to conduct training exercises across Canada. Continued British military training in Canada provides diplomatic, military and economic benefits to Canada.

Economic Benefits

At present, the British conduct two types of military training activities in Canada: land training (British Army) and air training (Royal Air Force). Each year, British military training in Canada generates approximately $90 million dollars in economic benefits to Canada, as well as hundreds of Canadian jobs. The British military permanently stations 250 members of its armed forces in Canada to support its military training, and covers all costs associated with 100 Canadian Forces personnel who provide administrative and auxiliary support to British units. In addition, 441 civilian positions are funded partially or completely by the United Kingdom as a result of their training programs. These economic benefits result in significant public support for continued British military training in the local communities surrounding the training areas.

The Batic Agreement

The BATIC Agreement serves as the framework governing all British military training in Canada. The agreement lays out over-arching responsibilities and obligations for both Canada and the UK. It also guides all subsequent arrangements outlining the terms and conditions on British Armed Forces training at individual Canadian Forces bases, such as the arrangement to be signed at CFB Suffield on July 24. This document falls under the BATIC Agreement by outlining the details of activities for BATIC at CFB Suffield.

Under the BATIC Agreement, the UK is required to pay proportionate and appropriate costs for any environmental clean-up and site restoration, as well as the clearance and disposal of unexploded ordinance. This agreement will remain in force indefinitely, unless terminated by one party.

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