Canada renews commitment to Multinational Force and Observers in the Sinai Peninsula

With Canada’s long and proud history of contributing to peacekeeping and peace support operations this week, the Government of Canada announced its renewed military contribution to the Multinational Force and Observers in the Sinai Peninsula.

Minister of National Defence Harjit S. Sajjan and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland announced Canada’s commitment to Operation CALUMET, the Canadian Armed Forces renewed contribution to the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai Peninsula, until March 31, 2022.

Through Operation CALUMET, the Canadian Armed Forces will continue to support peace and stability in the region by providing key personnel in various staff and speciality functions within the MFO based in El Gorah, Egypt.

 “The renewal of Operation CALUMET demonstrates Canada’s long-standing support to peace support operations in the Middle East. I am proud of the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces who are contributing to regional security and stability while they participate in one of Canada’s longest ongoing international commitments,” said Sajjan. 

The MFO is an independent international organization with peacekeeping responsibilities in the Sinai Peninsula. It is comprised of approximately 1200 personnel from twelve nations: Australia, Canada, Colombia, the Czech Republic, France, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of the Fiji Islands, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Uruguay. 

“Canada’s unwavering contribution to the Multinational Force and Observers demonstrates its commitment to lasting peace and security in the Middle East,” said Freeland.

Over the last four years, approximately 30 Canadian military police officers supported the MFO Military Police Unit which concluded on March 23, 2019.

 Under the renewed Operation CALUMET, Canada will deploy 55 Canadian Armed Forces personnel to Egypt. 

The Canadian contingent will include senior advisors, headquarters staff, and experts in fields such as remote observation, logistics, engineering, policing, and training. These personnel serve in senior and highly-specialized roles to support and enhance key MFO capabilities.