March 20, 2015 — Toronto – Earlier today, the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, hosted roundtables with a number of Iraqi community organizations to discuss Canada’s contributions to the global fight against the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and to hear from them about the threat posed by this terrorist group, both here in Canada and in their ancient homeland.
The Minister met with leaders of Canada’s Assyrian community, one of the world’s oldest Christian communities, which has been subject to extreme persecution and displacement at the hands of ISIL. Minister Kenney condemned the destruction of ancient Assyrian heritage in cities occupied by ISIL in Iraq, such as Mosul, and reiterated that the protection of religious freedom around the world is a key pillar of Canada’s foreign policy.
During a meeting with members of Canada’s Iraqi Kurdish community, participants expressed gratitude for Canada’s military contribution to the advise and assist mission in northern Iraq, and expressed condolences on the loss of Sgt. Andrew Doiron, who died recently in a friendly fire incident in this area.
Minister Kenney welcomed comments about how Canada can further enhance its contribution to the global fight against ISIL, and thanked the community for their contributions to various humanitarian efforts.
The participants also agreed that confronting ISIL is an essential component of keeping Canadians safe at home.
Lauren Armstrong
Minister’s Office
613-996-3100
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
