Canada’s Priorities

Canada is focussed on a targeted set of objectives in keeping with proven Canadian strengths and consistent with Afghan objectives and the efforts of the international community.

The first four priorities focus primarily on Kandahar. Canada is helping the Government of Afghanistan to:

• maintain a more secure environment and establish law and order by building the capacity of the Afghan National Army and Police, and support complementary efforts in the areas of justice and corrections.
• provide jobs, education, and essential services, like water.
• provide humanitarian assistance to people in need, including refugees.
• enhance the management and security of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

Nationally, Canada is helping to:

• build Afghan institutions that are central to our Kandahar priorities and support democratic processes such as elections.
• contribute to Afghan-led political reconciliation efforts aimed at weakening the insurgency and fostering a sustainable peace.

As Canada transforms its engagement in Afghanistan, our Kandahar-focused programming will comprise up to 50 percent of our total effort, and more and more funding will be directed toward efforts to benefit the people of that province.