10 October, 2014 - Ottawa
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We have all watched in recent months the alarming advances of the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL). While it is of course neither Islamic, nor a state, it is a barbaric organization responsible for horrendous atrocities committed in Iraq and Syria, and its rapid growth has threatened regional stability.
The United Nations Security Council has recognized the threat that ISIL poses, and the Government of Canada has chosen to stand with our international partners to combat this threat.
The Canadian Armed Forces have been directed by the Government of Canada to begin air combat operations in Iraq, while continuing to advise and assist Iraqi forces to build their own capacity to counter ISIL on the ground.
We are working with coalition partners to combat ISIL from the air
The Government of Canada has authorized the Canadian Armed Forces to deploy up to 600 members in support of coalition efforts to combat ISIL. This deployment includes a strike force of six CF-188 Hornet fighters, a CC-150T Polaris aerial refueller, two CP-140 Aurora aerial surveillance aircraft, and support personnel.
A reconnaissance team is now exploring basing options in Kuwait, and we can expect to see our members begin deploying to the region in the coming weeks.
For this mission, Canada is standing with a coalition of nations, including traditional allies such as the US, UK, France and Australia, and countries from the region including Jordan and the UAE.
We are helping Iraqi forces to stop ISIL on the ground
This deployment builds on the work we have done to help support Iraqi forces to blunt the ISIL offensive on the ground.
Our aviators have done yeoman’s work flying in 1.6 million pounds of Allied military equipment for Iraqi forces. This has been critically important to sustain the efforts of the Iraqi forces, including the Kurdish Peshmerga forces in Iraq’s North.
Since early September we have also had Special Operations Forces deployed on a mission to advise and assist Iraqi forces on the ground. This team, numbering up to 69 members, is providing support to help the Iraqi forces to build their capacity, and stem the push of ISIL.
We’re committed to Operational Excellence around the globe
In addition to operations in Iraq, the Canadian Armed Forces continue to demonstrate operational excellence on operations deployed around the globe, in Central Europe, the Caribbean, and right here at home. The Defence Team as a whole remains committed to the defence of Canada and Canadian interests.
We remain vigilant
Canada, our values and way of life, are viewed as a threat by some, not the least of which is ISIL. We know that in some cases Canadians have and can become radicalized to a world view that is in direct opposition to our accepting and open culture. Indeed, as you will have seen in media reports, ISIL has called for attacks in Canada.
While there are no current specific indicators of an attack on Canadian soil, it is important for members of the Canadian Armed Forces, our families, and our civilian partners to remain vigilant.
We all have to be alert to things that might be out of the normal. If something doesn’t feel right, take the initiative to let the authorities know. We review our force protection posture on a continuous basis, and if additional measures need to be implemented, direction will be provided by Commander CJOC.
As always, remember to also protect operational security. Our ability to safeguard sensitive information directly contributes to our operational effectiveness, and to the safety of our deployed members.
We stand ready
Canadians can be proud of what our members have accomplished, and they can be confident in our ability to carry-out the mission we are now committed to.
This is what we prepare for, what we’re equipped for and what we train for.
We stand together, ready.
General Tom Lawson,
Chief of the Defence Staff