Sgt. Scott Barbe is one of 2,000 Canadian Armed Forces members spending Christmas away from friends and family while serving with a NATO force in Latvia.
“It is a mixed bag,” Sgt. Barbe said in an interview with The Star from Latvia, about his family’s reaction to his overseas deployment. A member of the 2nd Battalion, Irish Regiment of Canada based in Sudbury, Barbe is serving with a larger NATO effort in Latvia, intended to deter Russian aggression.
“We all have the understanding of why I serve. I am not only gaining this life experience for myself, but for them as well.”
This is Sgt. Barbe’s first such deployment. He has family, including parents, an older brother, and a sister, in Sudbury. At home, he has a partner and their one-year-old daughter, as well as three teenage step-children.
Asked if it feels strange to be away, especially at this time of the year, he replied: “It definitely does.”
Barbe said he has enjoyed strong support from his family, neighbours and schools, which he appreciates.
“The days leading up to the deployment, it was ‘soon,’ and then when it finally hit, I think the realization that I would be gone that long became real. It was very sad, but there was a tremendous sense of pride when I did leave.”
As a family, they had a lot to plan.
“Prior to me leaving, we pre-bought presents. I knew it had to be done, but I also will have gifts when I return. When I do have the opportunity to see some of the neat items that Latvia does have to offer, I definitely will be bringing those back …
“The kids may not be counting the days on the calendar, but I know my partner definitely does. The kids constantly ask how things are going. As best I can — when I can — I make a video call.”
There is quite a time difference, so Barbe will stay up late or wake up early as household celebrations are both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Of course, Barbe wants to wish his family and all of Sudbury a Merry Christmas.
Before he left, he received a duffel bag from the family. “It is so useful,” he said.
It is sure to carry memories home at the end of his tour on June 15, 2026.
The 2nd Battalion of the Irish Regiment of Canada has a history of joining Canada’s military missions around the world.
“I joined in 2011. It is a privilege to serve and protect,” said Barbe. “I had grandparents who fought in the wars. I am pretty much the first generation to serve this long.”
The 2nd Battalion trains weekly and throughout the summer to hone its skills as a combat arms infantry unit.
In late July, Barbe and his colleagues assembled to prepare and train until late in the fall before they were sent to Latvia. “Our team gathered in Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, then flew directly from Ottawa. I arrived here Nov. 26 as part of the first flight over,” he said. “I am still new to the ground here. Latvian weather is crazy with lots of cloud cover and rain. There is no snow; some has fallen and it lingered for a day or two and then disappeared. Maybe in the January and February timeframe, they say. I see Sudbury has a massive amount of snow.”
The base located near Latvia’s capital, Riga, does have some festive touches. “There are some Christmas trees around and in the mess,” he said. “The trees are decorated.”
Of course, New Year’s is also coming and the time of looking forward with hopefulness. “We have several dining halls … Christmas Day, there will be gatherings and festivities.”
There is a Christmas Market in Riga, but he hasn’t been able to see it just yet.
Barbe talked of 24-hour work shifts but says the food is great and the hospitality warm, and he has dry socks.
He also spoke of camaraderie among Canadian soldiers. “We do have a strong sense of family when we put on the uniform, and we are all together. We build bonds of friendship amongst ourselves and with the soldiers of the member nations.”
Back in Sudbury, Scott is the regimental quartermaster for the 2nd Irish. “Here, in Latvia, I am acting as the second in command to the defence and security section. About 40 people report to me.”
Barbe said he hopes to someday join the Greater Sudbury Police Service. “I was born and raised in Coniston and went to St. Charles, and then attended Cambrian (College) for the police foundations program. As a kid, we lived on Caruso Street. It is my first Christmas away.”
The mission
Canada’s mission in Latvia, known as Operation REASSURANCE, is its largest overseas deployment, leading a NATO multinational brigade to deter Russian aggression on NATO’s eastern flank, with around 2,000 troops.
– Canada plans to have 2,200 troops there by 2026.
– The mission, which has been extended to 2029, involves training, reinforcing collective defence and supporting Latvia, a key NATO ally, through advanced combat readiness and multinational cooperation.
– In total, 3,000 troops are part of the mission; 14 allied nations have sent troops, including soldiers from Italy, Spain, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
The Local Journalism Initiative is made possible through funding from the federal government.
Bluesky: @sudburystar.bsky.social
X: @SudburyStar
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