Canada’s response includes military support, diplomacy and humanitarian assistance
March 31, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the second specific motion in the House of Commons on the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), this time seeking support for the government’s decision to extend and expand Canada’s military contribution to the global fight against ISIL, with the goal of keeping Canadians safe from the threat of extremism and significantly degrading ISIL’s capabilities:
“The highest priority of any government is the protection of its citizens from harm. ISIL is a threat not only to Canadians, but also to our allies and regional partners. If left unchecked, this terrorist threat will only grow, which is why our government sought the support of Canada’s Parliament to take further action, together with our Coalition partners, to degrade this threat and to provide some relief to those most deeply affected.
“With this vote, Operation Impact will now be extended up to 12 months, until March 30, 2016. The mandate has been expanded to authorize fighter jets to join Coalition partners in attacking ISIL targets within Syrian territory in support of the Coalition’s efforts in the collective self-defence of Iraq.
“ISIL has clearly and directly named Canada as a target. Coalition member states agree that multiple lines of effort are required to degrade ISIL. Canada is taking action to increase security measures at home, prevent homegrown terrorism, stop the flow of foreign terrorist fighters, engage in military action, provide humanitarian, stabilization and development assistance, and reduce ISIL’s access to financing. In addition, Canada is providing support and protection to survivors of sexual violence and assisting those targeted on the basis of their faith. We will continue to address the growing abuse of women and girls, bringing justice and relief to survivors and ensuring that perpetrators are ultimately held to account.
“When dealing with a crisis of this magnitude, we must ensure that our humanitarian efforts complement our security contributions. While Canada is providing security to the region, it is also working to help build the resiliency needed to support long-term stability and prosperity, factors that are key to ensuring ISIL’s downfall. In addition to defeating ISIL, Canada is helping to provide urgently needed food, water, shelter and relief supplies to meet the needs and reduce the suffering of conflict-affected populations.
“Canada is a top humanitarian donor in the response to the crises in both Iraq and Syria. Together, we and other members of the Coalition are improving the lives of millions of innocent civilian victims of ISIL’s terror.”
Johanna Quinney
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
johanna.quinney@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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