Minister Nicholson Wraps Up Anti-ISIS Coalition Meeting and Announces Additional Programming to Fight ISIS

News Release

July 30, 2015 - Québec City, Quebec - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada

The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today concluded important discussions in Québec City of the Small Group Political Directors meeting of the Global Coalition against the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The Minister announced additional programming to assist Iraqis in confronting the significant security and political challenges posed by ISIS. Canada will provide up to $8.3 million in programming to build the capacity of Iraqi authorities in mine action, supply non-lethal military equipment to countries affected by ISIS to contain the flow of foreign fighters and secure their borders, counter chemical and biological threats, and improve the flow of humanitarian aid.

Delegations at the coalition meeting in Québec City, including the Canadian delegation, assessed the progress of coalition efforts to date with U.S. General John Allen, Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIS, and Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim al-Jafaari, and reviewed key next steps in the fight against ISIS. Minister Nicholson highlighted that defeating ISIS and confronting new forms of terrorism are the test of this generation, and stressed that Canada remains fully committed to being part of the leadership of international efforts to counter ISIS’s barbaric activities and expansionist agenda.

As part of international efforts to address the significant security and political challenges posed by ISIS and the resulting humanitarian needs, Canada is assisting with humanitarian, development, stabilization and security programming to support the countries in the region and provide life-saving assistance to victims of barbaric terrorism as they seek to rebuild their future.

Quick Facts

Starting in August 2014, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) joined the military campaign of the Global Coalition against ISIS to assist the Government of Iraq. Canada’s military contribution to the global fight against ISIS consists of up to six CF-188 aircraft, one CC-150T refueller, up to two CP-140 surveillance aircraft and approximately 600 CAF personnel, including aircrew, support and logistics, command and control, and planning and liaison personnel to work with the U.S. and other coalition partners. In addition, approximately 69 members of the CAF are deployed to Iraq to advise and assist the Iraqi forces in their fight against ISIS.
The spread of ISIS has further destabilized the already-tenuous security situations in Syria and Iraq, which has in turn had negative consequences for neighbouring countries, including Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey.
The security situation in Iraq continues to deteriorate as armed clashes between ISIS and government forces drive the displacement of civilians. Since January 2014, more than 3 million Iraqis have been displaced and an estimated 8.2 million civilians in Iraq require immediate humanitarian support.
The devastating conflict in Syria has descended into a brutal chaos characterized by significant civilian casualties and widespread violations of international law. ISIS gained a strategic foothold in Syria by exploiting the civil war, inciting sectarian tensions and fomenting the influx of foreign fighters.
Over 230,000 people are estimated to have died in the Syrian conflict. The UN estimates that 12.2 million people inside Syria, 5.6 million of whom are children, need humanitarian assistance. This includes 8.6 million people who are internally displaced. In addition, more than 4 million people have sought refuge from the conflict in neighbouring countries.
Since January 2014, Canada has committed more than $130.6 million in humanitarian and development assistance funding to respond to the crisis in Iraq. Canada has also committed $15 million to strengthen frontline security measures in Iraq and $10 million to address sexual violence and other related human rights abuses being committed by ISIS.
To date, Canada has committed more than $810 million in humanitarian, development and security assistance to the Syrian crisis.
Canada remains concerned about existential threats to ethnic and religious minorities in Syria, including Christians, Druze, Bedouin Arabs and Ismailis.

Quotes

“We will not stand idly by while ISIS and its affiliates continue their murderous rampage in an attempt to wreak havoc across the region, spawn splinter cells from North Africa to South Asia, and prey on youngsters in the West.

“Canada and our coalition partners are making a tangible difference in the fight against ISIS, while providing humanitarian aid to those who need it the most.

“Canada will also be there to respond to the needs of civilians affected by the conflict, including victims of sexual violence.”

- The Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Associated Links

Countering ISIS

Contacts

Johanna Quinney
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
johanna.quinney@international.gc.ca

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Minister Nicholson Wraps Up Anti-ISIS Coalition Meeting and Announces Additional Programming to Fight ISIS

News Release

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