The year 2023 marks the 75^th anniversary of the first United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operation, a history in which Canada is deeply rooted. Since 1948, more than 125,000 Canadian Armed Forces members, 4,000 RCMP members, and numerous municipal and provincial police officers have served on numerous international peacekeeping missions in dozens of countries. Today, Canada continues to serve along UN-led multilateral forces such as MINUSMA, MONUSCO, UNFICYP, UNMISS and UNTSO, in addition to contributing $199 million for peacekeeping. 

I would like to take this opportunity to convey my deepest appreciation to all those who have served and continue to serve on missions of peace, contributing to the international affirmation of Canada's values through the honourable tradition of peacekeeping. It is also my honour and my duty to acknowledge the sacrifice of the 130 Canadians who have lost their lives on such missions. I commend the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association for sharing these inspirational stories of Canadians who have bravely served in the pursuit of peace across the globe. 

Bill Blair