cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/11364295

Canada has formally applied to join the U.K.-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), a collection of NATO nations whose mandate is to respond more quickly in a crisis.

Prime Minister Mark Carney formally announced the plan on Wednesday while meeting with his British counterpart Andy Burnham.

In a statement, Carney called JEF an “important initiative” and highlighted other close defence ties with the U.K., including Canada’s observer status in the development of the next generation of fighter jet.

Canada was asked by the U.K. more than dozen years ago to join JEF after it was formed in the waning days of the war in Afghanistan. The concept was discussed at the 2014 NATO leaders’ summit in Wales, but ultimately the government of former prime minister Stephen Harper rebuffed the overtures.

…

Archived