As tensions were rising in Eastern Europe, beginning with Russia’s efforts to destabilize Ukraine, Canada contributed to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) efforts to reinforce NATO’s collective defence.  Known as Operational REASURANCE, Canada took part in these deterrence measures as well as measures aim to reinforce NATO’s collective defence.

To learn more about NATO’s efforts and Canada’s presence in Eastern Europe, CIC Edmonton will be joined by Major Renaud Durand who, in August 2020, was deployed on Operation REASSURANCE in Romania as the task force Deputy Commanding Officer.

The Presentation will be followed by Q&A period from the audience.

About the Speaker: 

Maj. Durand joined the Canadian Forces in Aug 2004 and attended the Collège Militaire Royal in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec and Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario.  He graduated in 2009 with a Bachelors of Aeronautical Engineering.

Upon completion of the Aerospace Engineering (AERE) Officer Basic Course (AOBC) at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE) in CFB Borden in 2010, Maj Durand was posted to 431 Air Demonstration Squadron. At 431 Squadron he held the positions of Aircraft Production and Service Officer for two years before assuming the role of Deputy Senior Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Officer shortly after his promotion to Capt in May 2012. During his stay at 431 Squadron, Maj Durand led more than 70 technicians, ensuring aircraft, engine and other major aircraft components were ready to meet the challenging operational tempo. In 2012, Maj Durand was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for dedication and professionalism in his everyday work.

In July 2013, Maj Durand assumed was posted as an AERE instructor at CFSATE, Borden where he helped develop and teach the re-designed AERE Officer Basic Course. Maj Durand also instructed on the Armament and Explosives Maintenance Engineering Officer Course (AEMEO). While in Borden, Maj Durand had the opportunity to deploy with Op IMPACT in Kuwait where he held the position of A4 Maintenance.

In May 2018, Maj Durand was promoted to the rank of Maj and subsequently posted to 3 Wing Bagotville has 3 AMS Deputy Commanding Officer (DCO). At the AMS, Maj Durand led more than 270 personnel through daily part production and services in support of first line units. In August 2020, Maj Durand deployed on Op REASSURANCE in Romania as the task force DCO. Upon his return, Maj Durand was posted as the Squadron Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Officer (SAMEO) for 433 Squadron.

In Jul 2021, Maj Durand was posted to 4 Wing Cold Lake where he took command of 10 Field Technical Training Squadron (10 FTTS).