International Police Peacekeeping and Peace Operations

Canada’s police are building a more secure world

Canadian police have been participating in international peacekeeping missions since 1989. Since then, more than 4,000 Canadian police have contributed to more than 66 missions around the globe, supporting the Government of Canada’s commitment to global peace and security.

Building the capacity of foreign police benefits Canada by creating a safer and more stable global environment. Canadian police, in cooperation with international partners such as the United Nations Police and the European External Action Service, paves the way for long-term development. This can prevent illicit activities from spilling across borders into other countries, including Canada.

Helping overseas and helping at home

International policing efforts are an essential element of Canada’s goal to build a more secure world by working to stabilize fragile and conflict-affected states and areas such as Haiti, Iraq, Ukraine and the West Bank. More recently, the Government of Canada authorized the deployment of up to 20 civilian police officers to Mali.

Canadian police deployed overseas on peacekeeping missions also improve domestic security for Canada. By participating in missions, police officers gain professional development experience such as leadership opportunities and greater cultural awareness. In addition, when police officers return to their home police services, their experience can help strengthen relationships with diaspora communities. It can also bolster domestic police capacity to investigate transnational crimes.

The Canadian Police Arrangement (CPA)

Through the CPA, Canadian police deploy to international peace support operations and other stabilization-related missions. The deployments are approved by the Ministers of Public Safety, Foreign Affairs and International Development. CPA deployments are delivered through the International Police Peacekeeping and Peace Operations (IPP) Program by Public Safety Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

CPA partners assess international requests for Canadian engagement and recommend IPP operations for Canadian police participation. Learn more about current operations underway.