Posted on 07/21/2006 2:13:43 PM PDT by Clive
News Release
Canada and the United Kingdom renew Armed Forces Training Partnership Indefinitely
NR-06.039 - July 20, 2006
OTTAWA - Minister of National Defence Gordon O’Connor and Britain’s High Commissioner to Canada David Reddaway today signed the British Armed Forces Training in Canada (BATIC) Agreement. The BATIC Agreement formalizes the responsibilities and obligations of both Canada and the UK on British military training in Canada.
“Offering such outstanding training facilities to Britain is an example of Canada’s valuable contribution to NATO and its mission to safeguard the freedom and security of all Alliance members,” said Minister O’Connor.
“British military training in Canada continues to be an important part of our longstanding defence relationship with Canada. The United Kingdom places great importance against the opportunities provided by Canadian training areas and facilities in the preparation of our forces for operations,” added Britain’s High Commissioner to Canada Reddaway.
The BATIC Agreement replaces an earlier agreement that is set to expire in August 2006, under which the British military has conducted training exercises in Canada for decades. The BATIC Agreement differs from the previous agreement in that it will remain in force indefinitely and not require periodic renewal. British military training in Canada generates approximately $90 million dollars in economic benefits to Canada every year, as well as hundreds of Canadian jobs, particularly in the communities surrounding the training areas.
This new agreement, and Canada’s ongoing defence relationship with the United Kingdom, will bring continued diplomatic, military and economic benefits to Canada, while also benefiting the NATO Alliance. Canada is fully committed to NATO, and providing opportunities for military training in Canada to NATO Allies is an important part of that commitment, as it supports the Alliance’s agenda while enhancing the Canadian Forces’ ability to work with our allies.
Backgrounder
British Armed Forces' Training in Canada (BATIC) Agreement
BG-06.020 - July 20, 2006
Background
British Armed Forces’ Training in Canada is currently governed by an Exchange of Notes, originally completed in 1971 and renewed in 1979 and 1991. The current Exchange of Notes was to expire in August 2006. Under the Exchanges of Notes, the British military has conducted training exercise in Canada for decades. The BATIC Agreement differs from the previous Exchange of Notes in that it will remain in force indefinitely and not require periodic renewal.
International Perspective
Foreign military training for our NATO Allies is an important part of Canada’s contribution to the Alliance. Ensuring that its members are capable of adapting to the evolving security environment, both individually and collectively, remains a continual challenge for NATO. Through the provision of training opportunities for Allies, Canada increases the ability of the Canadian Forces to work together with our allies and effectively support NATO’s agenda of successfully conducting ongoing operations, transforming for the future, and enhancing partnerships.
The alliance's enduring purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of all its members by political and military means. The dividends of Canada's investment in NATO include access to strategic information, exercises with allied forces, and an equal voice in high-level decisions affecting Euro-Atlantic security and stability.
Canada-UK Defence Relations
Canada and the United Kingdom enjoy significant and mutually beneficial defence relations, marked by close and frequent contact at the strategic, operational and tactical level. Elements of this relationship include partnership in combined operations in the Balkans and Afghanistan, military staff talks, personnel exchanges, equipment design, procurement, and training. The Canada-UK defence relationship will continue to be an important part of Canada’s defence policy for the foreseeable future.
This agreement formalizes the terms of British military training in Canada and ensures that Canada will continue to benefit from a positive training relationship with a longstanding ally. Having this Agreement in place will make it easier for the UK to conduct training exercises across Canada. Continued British military training in Canada provides diplomatic, military and economic benefits to Canada.
Economic Benefits
At present, the British conduct two types of military training activities in Canada: land training (British Army) and air training (Royal Air Force). Each year, British military training in Canada generates approximately $90 million dollars in economic benefits to Canada, as well as hundreds of Canadian jobs. The British military permanently stations 250 members of its armed forces in Canada to support its military training, and covers all costs associated with 100 Canadian Forces personnel who provide administrative and auxiliary support to British units. In addition, 441 civilian positions are funded partially or completely by the United Kingdom as a result of their training programs. These economic benefits result in significant public support for continued British military training in the local communities surrounding the training areas.
The Batic Agreement
The BATIC Agreement serves as the framework governing all British military training in Canada. The agreement lays out over-arching responsibilities and obligations for both Canada and the UK. It also guides all subsequent arrangements outlining the terms and conditions on British Armed Forces training at individual Canadian Forces bases, such as the arrangement to be signed at CFB Suffield on July 24. This document falls under the BATIC Agreement by outlining the details of activities for BATIC at CFB Suffield.
Under the BATIC Agreement, the UK is required to pay proportionate and appropriate costs for any environmental clean-up and site restoration, as well as the clearance and disposal of unexploded ordinance. This agreement will remain in force indefinitely, unless terminated by one party.
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That's great news.
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