Read more about Canada and international peacekeeping
Service, courage and sacrifice
CAF members defend our country, protect our peace and stand up for security around the world. As part of these efforts, Canadians have deployed overseas to participate in United Nations (UN), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and other multinational peace operations.
Peacekeepers are neutral international troops who are sent to countries in turmoil to help reduce tensions and restore peace. They play vital roles including monitoring ceasefires, patrolling buffer zones, clearing landmines, investigating war crimes, helping refugees and providing humanitarian aid.
Significant dates
International Day of UN Peacekeepers
Every year on 29 May, the UN pays tribute to all of the uniformed and civilian personnel who have supported UN peacekeeping efforts. The date also honours the more than 4,200 peacekeepers from around the world who have lost their lives serving under the UN flag.
National Peacekeepers'
Day
In Canada, a national ceremony is held in Ottawa each year at the Peacekeeping Monument – Reconciliation – on the Sunday closest to August 9. On this date in 1974, nine Canadian Armed Forces members died when their plane was shot down in the Middle East.
Around the world and across generations
More than 125,000 CAF members have served in international peacekeeping efforts in dozens of countries over the decades. Approximately 130 of them have lost their lives and many more have returned home with physical and psychological wounds.
Over 4,000 officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other police forces in Canada have also taken part in these missions. In addition, thousands of Canadian diplomats and civilians have made important contributions to these efforts.
Preventing conflict
Peacekeeping developed following the bloody world wars that killed tens of millions of people in the first half of the 20th century. In their aftermath, members of the international community increasingly looked for ways to prevent future conflicts.
Canada leads the way
Canada played a key role in creating the concept of UN peacekeeping. Canadian Secretary of State for External Affairs Lester B. Pearson was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his leadership in helping establish the United Nations Emergency Force in Egypt during the Suez Crisis of 1956. Canada also took part in this large-scale mission that helped prevent a wider war.
Related information
Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations
The goal of this international agreement, announced in 2017, is to help increase the meaningful participation of women in UN peace operations.
This international agreement is intended to help protect children from being forced to fight in conflicts by making this issue a priority in peacekeeping operations.
UN peacekeeping operations and missions
Find more information about UN peacekeeping, peacebuilding and conflict prevention activities.
