Canada Considers Permanent Military Bases in Latvia: Strengthening NATO Commitment
The Canadian Joint Operations Command is studying how to realistically sustain Canada’s NATO deployment in Latvia, with more permanent basing as a possible option. This review, driven by troop shortages and challenges in quickly reinforcing the mission, comes after Prime Minister Mark Carney extended the Canadian mission in Latvia to 2029. Historically, Canada maintained permanent bases in Europe until 1993, and this move would follow Germany’s plans to establish a permanent military presence in Lithuania. A more permanent presence would send a stronger signal of deterrence, but would also require major undertakings that include legal revisions and government and NATO approval.
John Q. Hosedrinker