Canada assumed responsibility for the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in August 2005.  Twenty-four PRTs throughout Afghanistan help the democratically-elected government of Afghanistan extend its authority and ability to govern, rebuild the nation and provide services to its citizens.

Based in Kandahar City in the southern province of Kandahar, the Canadian PRT is located in the former heartland of the repressive Taliban regime, which previously controlled much of Afghanistan.  Kandahar is arguably the Afghan province in greatest need for support and also the Province most targeted by insurgent activities.

The 330-person team utilizes the expertise of diplomats, development experts, the police and military.  Its mandate closely mirrors the priorities of the Afghanistan Compact and Afghan National Development Strategy, namely security, governance and development.  The PRT supports key national Afghan programs such as the National Solidarity Program (which Canada helps to fund).  The PRT also carries out a broad range of enabling roles such as police training and strengthening all areas of local governance capacity, justice and human needs assistance.

The PRT concurrently works on projects that have impacts in the long, medium and short term.  The most important achievements will be those which bring about long-term sustainable benefits to the Afghan population.  That being said, immediate-need, "quick impact" projects are also being carried out across the province.

Afghanistan has made giant strides since 2001.  The challenges were, and continue to be, formidable. We have committed troops, resources, development and political effort to help the Afghan government secure a better future for its people.  Canada stands by the international community and the UN in striving to help the people of Afghanistan.