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Canada is renewing its military contribution to the Global Coalition against Daesh until March 31, 2019.
This extension includes the authority to provide training for new potential partners within the Iraqi security forces and a Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130J Hercules aircraft for tactical airlift.
Canada will also continue to contribute existing capabilities, including:
- Aerial refueling and surveillance capabilities and tactical helicopters from the Royal Canadian Air Force;
- Training, advising, and assisting Iraqi security forces;
- Capacity building in Jordan and Lebanon;
- A Role 2 medical facility; and
- Support to the Global Coalition with highly-skilled personnel, including intelligence support.
This extension includes the authority to deploy up to 850 military personnel. Canada is also providing $371.4 million over two years to support the cost of this renewed contribution to the Global Coalition against Daesh.
Daesh’s atrocities have led to countless tragedies, not only because of the impact on their immediate victims, but because of the subsequent humanitarian crises and increased forced migration that has affected millions of innocent lives throughout the region. The world has united against Daesh and Canada will defend its interests alongside our allies while working with local partners to establish more stable and secure conditions.
The Coalition has made significant progress in the fight against Daesh in Mosul. As the situation evolves, Coalition allies and partners must remain flexible and adapt to changing threats. This renewed contribution continues the existing advice and assist mission. Within that context, the Canadian Armed Forces will be able to deploy capabilities as needs arise, enabling it to continue to be an effective and relevant contributor to the Global Coalition.
“I am extremely proud of the accomplishments made by our women and men in the Canadian Armed Forces in the Global Coalition against Daesh,” said Gen Jonathan Vance, chief of the defence staff. “As the situation on the ground evolves, we must continually re-evaluate how Canada’s military can be most effective in support of the Coalition. I am confident these additional authorities will help us be more agile and flexible as we respond to the needs of our allies and partners.”
As outlined in Canada’s new defence policy, the government is dedicated to working with Coalition allies and partners to deter and defeat potential adversaries. Canada’s contributions to the Global Coalition against Daesh demonstrate our commitment to addressing the threat stemming from violent extremist organizations such as Daesh, and respond to the needs of conflict-affected people in Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon.
“Our new defence policy has made it very clear that Canada is ready and willing to do its part for the global community,” said Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan. “This includes confronting security issues that threaten our shores and those of our allies and partners. We must continue working with the Global Coalition against Daesh and to address the security challenges which confront Iraq, Syria, and the region.”
Through the Government of Canada’s whole-of-government strategy, announced in February 2016, Canada is also contributing more than $1.6 billion over the course of three years to address security, stabilization, humanitarian and development challenges stemming from the crises in Iraq and Syria and their impacts on Jordan and Lebanon.
