It means having well-trained soldiers who can prevent the recurrence of conflict by acting as mediators between opposing forces which in some cases have just stopped killing one another. Achieving this is not an easy task. But it is my job to ensure we are prepared to meet these challenges to the best of our ability, with the resources we have. In closing, if what I have told you today has left you with the understanding that the classic version of peacekeeping was never easy, and the modern one even more complex, then I have succeeded. For this is what I have gathered from my experience over the years in international peacekeeping.
Operations inevitably entail risks.
The challenge is to master the risks, reduce and control them, and achieve your objective successfully. It is this experience which ensures that my military advice to the Canadian Government always clearly lays out the risks and challenges inherent in each peacekeeping or peace support operation in which Canadian troops participate. Peace support operations are difficult and often dangerous work. The men and women of the Canadian Forces who do this on our behalf deserve the respect, gratitude and understanding of all Canadians. I know that they can count on your support.