CAF breaks ground for new headquarters building in Latvia

On June 19, 2019, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) held a groundbreaking ceremony signalling the beginning of construction for the new headquarters for Task Force Latvia, near the Latvian National Armed Forces’ Joint Headquarters in Riga, Latvia. 

The Latvian Task Force Headquarters proves national command and control for CAF troops deployed in Latvia with the Forward Presence Battle Group Latvia (eFP). 

“The construction of this purpose-built headquarters is a clear and unambiguous demonstration of our commitment to this mission. It will allow us to be more effective in the accomplishment of our tasks, facilitating interactions with all of our teammates in the region,” said Colonel Josh Major, Commander, Task Force Latvia, “I would like to thank our gracious hosts from Latvia who have greatly enabled our success thus far while this project has been in development. This building will help us, our eFP partner nations, and our Latvian allies grow together for improving our capacity to assist in the defence of Latvia and the promotion of stability in the region.” 

The new building will enhance CAF’s ability to accomplish its mission while alleviating the burden on Latvian Allies. The CAF’s Latvian Task Force is part of Operation Reassurance, which supports NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe. The CAF has a leadership role in this mission, it is one of the four framework nations, leading a multinational NATO battle group in Latvia.

“The Task Force Latvia Headquarters building in Riga reinforces our strong bilateral relationship with Latvia, and reaffirms our commitment to NATO’s defence and deterrence measures in Eastern and Central Europe. We will continue to work together to defend Latvia’s freedom. Canada will remain a strong and reliable ally, now and into the future,” Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence

The personnel and assets deployed under Operation Reassurance represent Canada’s largest sustained presence in Europe in more than a decade. There are approximately 540 personnel deployed, along with a mechanized infantry company, and combat service support based at Camp Ādaži.

Canada has participated in measures to maintain security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe since 2014, alongside our NATO allies. This has been done through partnering, training, exercises, and other operational tasks.   

“Latvia is a full-fledged, trusted and reliable member of NATO. Our country not only receives security guarantees ensured by NATO, but we also contribute to international security in return. Security and stability in Latvia as NATO external border, guarantees common security of the whole Alliance,” said Dr. Artis Pabriks, deputy prime minister, minister of defence of the Republic of Latvia. “The presence of the Canadian Armed Forces in Latvia is a clear demonstration of Allied solidarity, determination and ability to defend our population and territory against any possible aggression. Construction of the Task Force Latvia Headquarters demonstrates Canada’s commitment to Latvia and regional security. The new headquarters will contribute to cooperate more successfully with our National Armed Forces continuously improving our ability to operate together seamlessly.”