Canada's Use of Force Abroad Since 1898

One way of measuring Canada's approach to world order is assessing its engagement in war. Since 1990, there has been a substantial, sustained surge in combat involvements and ensuing victories, with the war in Afghanistan becoming Canada's longest war. Canada increasingly allocated resources for combat operations, more frequently, for more lengthy periods, for more offensive and deadly missions and on a greater global scale.

Notes

ECOWAS = Economic Community of West African States; NATO = North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Use of force is defined as missions involving combat operations or direct military support for them. Cases exclude: East Timor; 2003 Iraq with Canada's exchange staff personnel already embedded in United States operations; and the 2015 Ukraine military training mission.
War is identified by its primary geographic location and commonly used name.
Region is a major geographic area or continent, except for the Turbot War, which was not land based.
Victory is defined as having accomplished goals by the time Canada left.
Form is the combat arm or service of the Canadian Armed Forces involved in the combat zone: land, air and/or sea (Navy and Coast Guard).
Allies is defined as the country or countries engaged in combat operations on Canada's side, listed in order of a. before b. at the time of, c. after Canada's entry.
International Organization is the international institution authorizing or endorsing the combat operation, with a focus on the United Nations Security Council (or General Assembly), NATO and/or the G7.
Outcome is defined as whether Canada obtained its initial war aims at the time of its combat entry by the time it ended its combat involvement (victory or defeat or stalemate or ongoing).
^a Haiti Outcome: As stated on the Government of Canada webpage, the goal of the United Nations Security Council mission to which Canada contributed was to restore "democratic leadership," end "human rights violations in the country," allow President Jean Bertrand Aristide to return to power, and "create a stable environment in the country." The main military mission ended in 1997. However, as officially stated, "unfortunately, Haiti has largely remained an impoverished country battered by violence and unrest." See The Canadian Armed Forces in Haiti.
^b Turbot War Allies: Britain and Ireland expressed strong verbal public support for Canada.
^c Allies also included: Belgium, Cameroon (which held the presidency of Organization of African Unity), Ireland (which held the presidency of European Union), Italy, Japan, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and Uganda.
^d Afghanistan Outcome: As stated by NATO, the mission in Afghanistan aimed to provide "security across the country and ensure that it would never again be a safe haven for terrorists." The mission came to a close by the end of 2014. Security responsibility was transitioned from the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops to the Afghan army and police forces. However, the goal of preventing Afghanistan from becoming a terrorist safe haven again has not been achieved. See "NATO and Afghanistan" at https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_8189.htm and Operations and Missions: Past and Present.
^e Libya Outcome: As stated by the official NATO Statement on Libya, the goal of the mission in Libya is to "bring about a speedy resolution to the crisis, to put an end to the violence, and to allow the Libyan people to freely determine their own future," and also to "protect civilians and civilian populated areas." The official NATO website states that "the UN mandate was carried out to the letter and the operation was terminated on 31 October 2011 after having fulfilled its objectives." However, NATO air strikes hit large numbers of residential areas and killed many civilians, thus not fully fulfilling the objectives of bringing an end to violence and protecting civilians. See Statement on Libya and Operations and Missions: Past and Present – Terminated Missions.
^f Mali Outcome: Operation Serval (the original French military operation from 2012 to 2014) ended on July 15, 2014. It was replaced by Operation Barkhane, which is still ongoing. Canada is not involved in Operation Barkhane. There is therefore no final outcome for Canada's involvement in the military operation.