Wow!  Assuming this CBC story is close to the truth; earlier estimates had been 400-600 CF personnel:

Extended Afghan mission to involve 1,000 troops

Canada would keep as many as 1,000 troops in Kabul as part of a plan to extend the country’s mission in Afghanistan and convert it into a non-combat role after 2011, CBC News has learned.

Up to 750 trainers and at least 200 support staff would work outside the combat zone at a training academy or large training facility for Afghan soldiers and police officers, the CBC’s James Cudmore reports. They would remain in Afghanistan until 2014 at the latest.

This is the first time specific numbers related to the proposed mission extension have been made public…

I just hope the story, which looks to me more like a true leak than a government trial balloon, does not cause the prime minister to re-think the numbers, which certainly will get a lot a criticism: e.g., they will make it harder to take a significant part in those blessed UN peacekeeping missions.

But our allies will be especially pleased; and the Dutch may get serious encouragement to come  back to Afstan in a similar role.

Earlier today:

The world does need more Canada–in Afstan/State of the battle/Danish note

Update thought: I suspect the arrangement, given the large number of CF personnel, will be that Canada effectively takes over the NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan in Kabul–which will be great relief for the alliance. The NATO mission works alongside the separate (sort of) US Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan and has the same commander.

Mark
Ottawa