IRIA News

The Chair of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Rob Bauer is visiting Canada from November 16 to 20 to meet top military leadership, observe training exercises, and discuss Euro-Atlantic security.

Admiral Rob Bauer met with Canadian Armed Forces officials and civilian representatives, visited the Canadian Forces College, and Maritime Forces Atlantic, as well as participated in the Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group exercise.

While addressing to the Joint Command and Staff Programme and National Security Programme at the Canadian Forces College, Admiral Bauer talked about the effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Euro-Atlantic security and stressed that it is the obligation of democratic allies to uphold the international rules-based order.

According to the NATO statement, the Alliance’s Military Committee chief also met with Canadian Chief of Defence Staff General Eyre and highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Alliance in deterrence and defence as well as the ongoing initiatives to enhance the preparedness and resilience of national armed forces.

Admiral Bauer said that he firmly supports the vision for the Canadian Armed Forces with more inclusiveness, transparency and accountability and stressed that having a diverse, inclusive workforce helps ensure success on the battlefield.

Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee and The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Wayne Eyre meet with troops highlighting the capabilities of the Canadian Army’s high readiness Contingency Brigade during their visit to Garrison Petawawa, on November 17, 2022. pic.twitter.com/GitD7HxKhr

— Combat Camera (@CFCombatCamFC) November 18, 2022

“In essence, what we do at the NATO Headquarters every day – bringing together 30 nations and trying to find a common way forward – is not that different from what military leaders do with their units every day. We wear a uniform not because we believe we are all the same… Nor that we should be all the same. We wear a uniform because we believe in the power of the collective. We believe in the power of bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures, with different skillsets… to make sure we get the best of what they have to offer”, Bauer said.

The Chair of the NATO Military Committee also visited the 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, where he was briefed on the high readiness training in progress and future deployment to the NATO Task Force in Latvia. He was also able to observe a demonstration of a wet gap crossing by the 2 Combat Engineer Regiment. “Canada is actively strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence by contributing troops to and by leading the multinational battlegroup in Latvia”, noted the Chair.

During his visit, Admiral Rob Bauer also met with Canadian Minister of National Defence Anita Anand and joined her for the announcement of Canada’s proposal for the location of the North American Regional Office of NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) in Halifax.

Admiral Bauer said that “By hosting the Regional Office, Canada supports adaptation and innovation at NATO. The regional office will be a focal point in the years to come and connect start-ups, researchers and industry from North America to lead innovation and help maintain NATO’s technological edge”.

Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand posted on her Twitter that during the meeting she “reiterated Canada’s unwavering commitment to the alliance and Euro-Atlantic security” and discussed recent “security challenges”, as well as “how Canada is increasing its contributions” to the Alliance.

Today, I met with @CMC_NATO, Admiral Rob Bauer. I reiterated Canada's unwavering commitment to the alliance and Euro-Atlantic security. We also discussed current security challenges, and how Canada is increasing its contributions. Thank you for your leadership, Admiral. pic.twitter.com/VBmNhtL2Iy

— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) November 17, 2022

Admiral Bauer also visited one of Canada’s specialised ships, the Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship, which is being used by the Canadian Navy to patrol national waters. “The Arctic is strategically relevant to NATO and with its unique knowledge about the region and its presence there, Canada is making valuable contributions to NATO’s role in the region. We are working together to make sure the Arctic remains free and open”, Admiral Bauer said. The NATO military committee chief also stressed the importance of Canada for NATO in the Arctic in a conversation with Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic Rear Admiral Brian Santarpia.

The Chair of the NATO Military Committee will also attend the 2022 Halifax International Security Forum and is expected to speak at a plenary session on winter resilience.