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This year, Canadian police mark an important milestone: 25 years of contributions to international peace operations. Since October 17, 1989, more than 3,500 police officers from across Canada have served on peace operations in nearly 30 countries around the world.
They have voluntarily served in some of the world's most challenging places to bring a measure of peace to communities living in poverty, chaos and fear. In doing so, they have cemented a reputation for leadership, professionalism and humanitarianism in international peace operations.
Today, over 90 Canadian police officers are serving on peace operations around the world. One of our HRP members is currently training in Ottawa to deploy on a one-year mission to Haiti in mid-August. Since the start of the police contributions to international peace operations, 42 HRP officers have served overseas in eight different missions.
This year, on August 9, National Peacekeepers' Day was chosen as the day to mark the 25th anniversary of Canadian police contributions to such operations. The anniversary provides a great platform to raise awareness about the benefits and impacts of Canadian police participation in international peace operations in Canada and around the world.
HRP officers that have served on a peacekeeping mission will be allowed to wear their blue UN beret in the course of their regular duties on August 9th. The United Nations flag will also be flying outside Police Headquarters for the entire weekend.