Peacekeeping and Peacemaking

In September 1993, the United Nations authorized United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH) with the mandate to assist in modernizing the armed forces of Haiti and establishing a new police force.  In July 1994, the mandate was expanded to include assisting the Haitian Government in sustaining the secure and stable environment, professionalizing the Haitian armed forces, creating a separate police force, and assisting in establishing an environment conducive to free and fair elections.

On this day in 1991, 1 Combat Engineer Regiment provided medical treatment and refuge to 1,200 American soldiers after an explosion in a U.S. Army ammunition depot in Kuwait. The Regiment received a Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation for its actions.

In 1999, East Timor voted for independence from Indonesia. However, after a month of violence and destruction following the referendum, the United Nations authorized an interim Australian-led coalition to help stabilize the new nation. The UN intervened some six months later and Canada contributed some 600 Canadian servicemen over the 6-month duration of Operation TOUCAN.