Statement – Ministers of Veterans Affairs and National Defence mark 30 years since the end of Operation LANCE

OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 15, 2026 /CNW/ – Today, the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement:

“Thirty years after the end of Operation LANCE–Canada’s main participation in the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR)–we honour the 700 Canadians who served at various stages of this important mission in Rwanda, during and following one of the most barbaric periods of mass violence in modern human history.

“Canada’s involvement in UNAMIR began in October 1993, when UN forces, led by then Brigadier-General Roméo Dallaire of Canada, were deployed to support the implementation of the Arusha Peace Agreement. UN personnel intervened when they could and protected innocents, even as they bore witness to a rapidly unfolding massacre when Hutu extremists orchestrated the systematic killing of minority Tutsis following the assassination of Rwandan President and Hutu Juvénal Habyarimana.

“Over-constrained and under-resourced in the face of this new and catastrophic reality, UN forces on the ground did everything they could to prevent the violence from turning genocidal. But with the international community doing little to intervene, more than 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed in just 100 days. In the aftermath, Canadian peacekeepers assisted countless Rwandans with communications, logistical and medical support, and mine-clearing efforts.

“In reflecting on his haunting memories of the genocide, the Honourable Lieutenant-General (Retired) Dallaire has said that Rwanda will never leave him. Neither should the story of Operation LANCE and UNAMIR ever leave us.

“On this 30^th anniversary of the end of this mission, may all Canadians remember the courage and sacrifice of those who served in Rwanda and helped the country take its first steps on the long path toward recovery. Any Veteran in need of assistance is encouraged to call 1-800-268-7708 to speak to a mental health professional.”

Associated links:

• Operation LANCE (UNAMIR)
• Rwanda | Veterans Affairs Canada

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada – Ottawa