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Canadian Army facing shrinking force due to more demand

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Hundreds of Canadian soldiers are already working with a NATO battle group in Latvia in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine (Twitter/@Army_Comd_Armee).
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The Canadian Army shrank by 1,200 soldiers last year and possibly 800 more this year, forcing commanders to find new ways to meet Canada’s growing needs.

Lt.-Gen. Joe Paul says the decline in soldiers is coming as his force faces more demands at home to respond to natural disasters, and to expand abroad in Europe.

Hundreds of Canadian soldiers are already working with a NATO battle group in Latvia in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.


Canada has been leading 2,000 troops in Latvia since 2016. Prime Minister Justin Trudeua made an announcement in June to double the number of soldiers within the battle group.

Paul says the Canadian Armed Forces will respond as the alliance moves to grow the force next year.

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