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The creation of a Canadian Marine Commando Regiment (MCR) was proposed as part of the 2006 Canada First Defence Strategy. It was speculated that the unit would be based at Canadian Forces Base Comox, and have an initial strength of approximately 250 members. As of 2010, there has been no further movement toward establishing a Canadian Marine Commando Regiment.
Background
The concept of a mobile combined (air, sea, and land) force was originally conceived in 1994, but due to reduced operating budgets during the 1989–2002 period, the Canadian Forces simply did not have the budget to develop a new branch at that time. Following the events of September 11, 2001, as well as the brief 2006 Lebanon War during which many Canadian passport-holders were evacuated, the idea was once again revived in the form of the Marine Commando Regiment, as well as the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (separate from the MCR). In November 2006, the Royal 22e Régiment participated in the Integrated Tactical Effects Experiment (ITEE), a three-week training exercise with the United States Marine Corps. In 2008, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry participated in similar training during RIMPAC with the United States Marine Corps and the Royal Australian Navy.