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Early Wednesday morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office released a glowing statement paying homage to the “strong Canadian tradition” of peacekeeping, despite his government’s complete stall in terms of deploying peacekeepers.

The Liberals pledged in August 2016 nearly half a billion dollars and up to 600 soldiers toward United Nations peacekeeping operations, following an election promise to steer the country back toward its international reputation as a peacekeeping stalwart.

On National Peacekeepers’ Day, we thank the women & men who work to create a safer, more secure world for all: https://t.co/NXn6MbMB3h — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) August 9, 2017

“Under [previous prime minister] Stephen Harper , Canada has dramatically scaled back its involvement in peace operations – a decision that could not come at a worse time,” the Liberal election platform read.

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“As the number of violent conflicts in the world escalates, demand for international peace operations has never been greater.”

At one time, peacekeeping was almost synonymous with Canada; former prime minister Lester B. Pearson is sometimes credited with spearheading the notion of peacekeeping (and won a Nobel Peace Prize for his work in the area).

WATCH: Opposition wonders when Liberals plan to announce peacekeeping plans

1:16 Opposition wonders when Liberals plan to announce peacekeeping plans Opposition wonders when Liberals plan to announce peacekeeping plans

Today, however, after more than a year and a half of promises, neither Trudeau nor his cabinet has taken the step of actually sending any of the soldiers, police officers or military equipment to take part in a mission – despite a pledge to have done so by the end of last year.

The UN asked Canada last year to contribute much-needed transport helicopters for its mission in Mali, where roadside bombs and other improvised explosives pose significant dangers to peacekeepers.

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READ MORE: Canada’s allies growing impatient with Trudeau’s decision on peacekeeping mission

When Canada failed to make a decision, other countries such as Belgium and Germany moved to fill the gap on a short-term basis to buy time for Canada to finalize its plans.

“Our history of peacekeeping goes back … to our earliest missions to build peace and security across the globe,” Trudeau’s statement reads, as he delves into the history books.

The statement recalls the first time Canada deployed peacekeepers; it was 1949, and they were sent to Kashmir to help calm a dispute between India and Pakistan.

The Canadian Flag flies over the Peacekeeping memorial in Ottawa Tuesday May 29, 2012. Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press

“Over the years, Canadian peacekeepers have helped monitor ceasefires, protect the most vulnerable from the ravages of war, and build the foundations of peace.”

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While at the United Nations in May, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan reiterated his government’s “commitment” to peacekeeping operations and the United Nations.

WATCH: Canada committed to peacekeeping despite lack of overall plan, says Sajjan

2:36 Sajjan: Canada committed to peacekeeping despite lack of overall plan Sajjan: Canada committed to peacekeeping despite lack of overall plan

“When we make a plan and make a contribution, this isn’t just about checking a box,” he told reporters. “We need to make sure that we have the right plan, have the right discussions moving forward. Because we want to make sure we provide a meaningful contribution.”

Then in June, the Liberal government unveiled its long-awaited long-term defence policy. Still no details, just another repeating of its goal to “lead and/or contribute to international peace operations” with the UN, NATO and other international partners.

Sajjan’s office did not respond Wednesday morning to a request for any updates to the government’s peacekeeping plans.

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With files from The Canadian Press