By Canadian Press

Prime Minister Trudeau meets with Latvian leaders, Canadian troops ahead of NATO

Jul 10, 2023 | 1:25 AM

RIGA, Latvia — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is making his third visit to Latvia today, where he’s set to meet with the country’s leaders and with Canadian troops. 

Around 800 Canadian Armed Forces members are part of the Canada-led NATO battle group in the Baltic country, making it the largest overseas mission. 

Defence Minister Anita Anand recently announced that a Leopard 2 tank squadron with 15 tanks and around 130 personnel will be joining the mission starting this fall. 

That’s part of NATO’s efforts to increase its deterrence measures and its presence near Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine. 

The alliance has doubled the number of battle groups in the region since the war began, and has plans to increase the size and scope of some of them to be combat-ready brigades.

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Trudeau is expected to meet with both the Latvian president and prime minister before the larger summit of NATO leaders begins in nearby Lithuania. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 10, 2023.

The Canadian Press