Wales, United Kingdom
5 September 2014
Good afternoon.
Once again, I’d like to begin by thanking Prime Minister Cameron and the people of Wales for their warm hospitality during this Summit.
Also as Secretary General Rasmussen ends five years of NATO service, we thank and congratulate him for his leadership and also welcome his successor, Jens Stoltenberg.
The focus of this NATO meeting has really been on two issues.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the advance of the terrorist group ISIL in Iraq and Syria.
On Ukraine, Canada supports tougher sanctions and the further economic and political isolation of the Putin regime.
We have been a leading contributor to NATO’s reassurance efforts in Eastern Europe and at this Summit Canada supported additional measures to increase NATO’s capabilities and responsiveness.
Now let me comment on the situation in Iraq.
We, like our allies, have grown increasingly alarmed in recent months by the growing power of ISIL, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and the carnage that ISIL is wrecking in its expansion.
It has carried out barbaric acts of terror against Iraqi men, women, children and minorities.
Canada and our allies have responded.
Our Government has already contributed to humanitarian efforts under way in the region and along with our American, British, French and Australian friends, RCAF transport aircraft have also delivered critical military supplies to the government of Iraq and Kurdish forces fighting ISIL.
But ISIL’s horrific rampage continues, symbolized most recently by the savage murders of James Foley and Steven Sotloff.
There can be no doubt that the establishment and expansion of ISIL’s terrorist Khalife is not only a threat to millions of innocent people.
It has become a grave danger to the security of the region.
And if left unchecked, this lawless area will become a training ground for international terrorists and an even greater threat to the security of Canada and its allies.
In recent weeks I’ve spoken to our allies about this crisis.
I’ve expressed Canada’s full support for the actions taken thus far to contain ISIL’s advance.
Based on the assessment of needs on the ground, President Obama has requested a commitment of Canadian military advisors.
In response to this request, cabinet has authorized the deployment of several dozen members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
These personnel will work with their U.S. counterparts who are assisting and advising Kurdish forces in Northern Iraq.
Following final sign-off from the Government of Iraq, Canadian personnel will be positioned for an initial period of up to 30 days.
This commitment will be reassessed at that time.
This is not a combat mission and our role is clearly defined.
Canada is joining our allies in providing critical advice to forces in Northern Iraq as they continue to hold back the terrorist advance.
But while this mission is low risk, it is not without risk.
Our men and women in uniform are ready to answer this call and I thank them for always being prepared to defend Canadian values and interests in a dangerous world.
