Mishall RehmanCanada has extended its contribution to the Global Coalition against Daesh until March 31, 2019, announced Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan and Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland on Wednesday.
Under this renewed contribution, the train, advise and assist mission will continue. It also includes contributing existing capabilities like Aerial refuelling, surveillance capabilities, tactical helicopters, capacity building in Jordan and Lebanon and the Role 2 medical facility.
The extension includes the authority to deploy up to 850 military personnel.
“Our new defence policy has made it very clear that Canada is ready and willing to do its part for the global community. 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,” said Harjit Sajjan, Minister of Defence.
The Coalition has made a great deal of progress against Daesh, especially in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul. However, the battle against Daesh is far from over, in Mosul and beyond, as BGen. Daniel MacIsaac, Commanding Officer, Joint Task Force-Iraq has indicated.
The evolving nature of the fight means that Coalition forces must remain flexible and adapt to the changing threats.
“I am extremely proud of the accomplishments made by our women and men in the Canadian Armed Forces in the Global Coalition against Daesh. 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,” said Gen. Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff.
The Government of Canada will be providing $371.4 million over two years to support the cost of this renewed contribution. Overall, Canada is providing more than $1.6 billion over the course of three years to address security, stabilization, humanitarian and developmental challenges the region is facing because of the crisis in Iraq and Syria.
“Canada is deeply engaged in the fight against Daesh, and we are a proud and committed partner fully engaged in the Global Coalition’s efforts. Today’s announcement reflects Canada’s sustained support for the people of Iraq, Syria, and the region as well as our commitment to promoting security, stability, and peace in the Middle East,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland.
