Canada’s Mali mission will emphasize deployment of female peacekeepers
OTTAWA — The Canadian military’s upcoming foray into Mali is expected to include a marked female presence as the Trudeau government looks to have Canada lead by example in the push to have more women on peacekeeping missions.
Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland and Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan on Monday will unveil details of Canada’s mission to Mali, which will be centred around the deployment of up to six military helicopters.
The aircraft will include a combination of Chinook helicopters tasked with providing medical evacuations and logistical support and smaller Griffons to act as armed escorts for the larger transports.
The exact numbers are still being finalized, a senior government official said Sunday on condition of anonymity since an official announcement had not been made.