MEDIA ADVISORY - NEXT CANADIAN FORCES CONTINGENT IN AFGHANISTAN

GATHERING OF 1 R22^eR BATTLE GROUP BEFORE BIG DEPARTURE

VALCARTIER GARRISON, QC, Oct. 26 /CNW Telbec/ - Media representatives are invited to attend the get-together gathering nearly 1,400 soldiers of 1 Battalion, Royal 22^e Régiment Battle Group (1 R22^eR BG) next Thursday, October 28:

When: Where:

Thursday, October 28, 2010, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. La Citadelle of Quebec, 1 Côte de la Citadelle

The gathering aims to celebrate the departure of members of 1 R22^eR BG, the last Canadian battle group to conduct combat operations on Afghan soil. To do this, 1 R22^eR BG will conduct a parade within the confines of the parent company of the Royal 22^e Régiment before leaving for the theatre of operations.

1 Battalion, Royal 22^e Régiment Battle Group principally forms the next Joint Task Force Afghanistan, based in Kandahar. 1 R22^eR BG will work to establish security conditions in the district of Panjwayi, in partnership with the Afghan authorities and the Coalition.

Let's recall that just over 1,900 soldiers from Valcartier will deploy to Kandahar gradually beginning in November 2010. For nearly seven months, these troops will continue the efforts of their predecessors to make the country safer.

Media wishing to attend the event are asked to contact the Public Affairs Office of 5 CMBG at one of the numbers below. Reporters are expected at the main entrance of La Citadelle of Quebec on October 28, at 9:30 a.m.

Note: In case of bad weather, the parade will take place in the gymnasium of La Citadelle of Quebec.

For further information:

Information:

Lieutenant Dennis Noël Public Affairs Officer, 5 CMBG Telephone: [phone], ext 4688 Pager: 418-260-3082