Canada has made a clear commitment to stabilizing Afghanistan and contributing to the creation of a more secure environment within which the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the country can take place. Canada's work in southern Afghanistan will build on a "whole-of-government approach." This includes the deployment of a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT), and of a Canadian contingent of some 2300 troops to southern Afghanistan, where Canada has assumed command of the multinational brigade headquarters.

The following video netcasts features the current Canadian Ambassador to Afghanistan David Sproule, as well as former (2003 - 2005) Ambassador Chris Alexander, discussing Canada's involvement in Afghanistan.

Video Netcasts:

Background Canada remains in Afghanistan today for the same reasons we first engaged with the country: Canada, and the world, have a strategic interest in a secure, self-sufficient, democratic and stable Afghanistan that never again provides a safe haven for terrorists or terrorist organizations. \| 2 min 38 sec	Windows Media Quicktime Transcript
Canada's Evolving Engagement Canada is helping the Afghan people bring stability to their country, strengthen governance and reduce poverty. The Afghanistan Compact is designed to help realize goals in each of these areas.\| 2 min 24 sec	Windows Media Quicktime Transcript
Addressing Challenges Ambassador Sproule discusses how Canada, alongside its international allies, is looking to address some of the challenges that lie ahead for Afghanistan. \| 3 minutes	Windows Media QuickTime Transcript
Provincial Reconstruction Teams Canada has made Afghanistan a top priority engagement abroad leveraging expertise and assets across a number of federal departments. This policy is reflected in Canada's Provincial Reconstruction Team, an approach to peace support operations where civilian and military components operate as a cohesive team. \| 4 min 24 sec	Windows Media Quicktime Transcript

(Video players are available here: QuickTime | Windows Media).

More Video Netcasts:

Canadian Leadership Success in Disarmament
Heavy Weapons Cantonment: Canada was instrumental in the establishment of a soon-to-be completed process to canton heavy weapons in Afghanistan. Canadians in Kabul, helped to create the momentum and will for a programme many thought impossible.
Demining: Canada has helped to clear over a third of an estimated 10-15 million mines laid in Afghanistan. However, as Afghanistan is one of the most mine affected countries in the world, much work is still to be done.

Reports from the Field
Since diplomatic relations with Kabul were re-established in January 2002, Canadians of various expertise have travelled to Afghanistan to assist local efforts in building a prosperous, sustainable, and united nation.

Key Issues in Afghan Security
Take a drive through Kabul with security specialist Mark Sedra (see Mark's bio below) as he discusses some key questions surrounding Afghanistan's road to democracy.

More information:

Protecting Canadians. Rebuilding Afghanistan
Canada is making important diplomatic, defence and development contributions to the stabilization and reconstruction of Afghanistan. Our objectives are threefold: to defend our national interests, ensure Canadian leadership in world affairs, and help Afghanistan rebuild into a free, democratic and peaceful country.

Backgrounder - Canadian Forces Operations in Afghanistan, February 28, 2006