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Federal Government Motion to extend Mission against ISIL

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Federal Government Motion to extend Mission against ISIL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                      March 25, 2022

OTTAWA – Yesterday in the House of Commons, the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper announced the Government’s intent to bring forward a motion seeking support for the Government’s decision to extend and expand Canada’s military and humanitarian contribution to the global fight against ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and Levant).  Operation IMPACT would extend the current mission for up to 12 months, until March 30^th, 2016.  In addition to the extension, the mandate would also be expanded to authorize Canada’s CF-188 Hornet fighters to join Coalition partners in attacking ISIL targets within Syrian territory.

Canadians did not invent the threat of jihadi terrorism and we certainly did not invite it, nor can Canada ignore it.  That is why a strong majority of Canadian have supported the government’s mission against ISIL.  Knowledgeable Canadians understand that it is not merely in the wider interests of the international community, but specifically in Canada’s national security interests.

“ISIL terrorists have made it clear that they see Canada and Canadians as a target.  These terrorists hate our Western society, our traditions, our freedom, our democracy, and the rule of law” says Ritz.  “We cannot protect Canada or our communities by choosing to ignore this very real threat.”

This is why the Government is seeking the support of Canadians through their parliamentarians to extend and expand Canada’s mission, with our allies, to fight Islamic jihadism which threatens national and global security.

To this end, ISIL cannot be allowed a safe haven.  This is the impetus for the decision to join our allies who have been attacking ISIL in Syria.   As the Government continues to oppose the brutality of this regime, the Canadian Armed forces will conduct air strikes against ISIL targets in Syria on the same basis as our Coalition allies. 

Beyond that we have also been helping to support more than 200,000 Syrian refugees in Iraq with food, water, shelter and protection.  There is no either – or between military action and humanitarian aid. The situation desperately needs both, and Canada has been providing both.

“I echo the sentiments of the Prime Minister that we do not need to choose between fighting ISIL and helping its victims.  We must continue to do both,” said Minister Ritz.

With this motion, the Government intends to continue to degrade and disrupt ISIL as well as provide humanitarian and stabilization support to help alleviate the suffering this terrorist group is inflicting.

Among the nations of the world, Canada is one the largest providers of humanitarian assistance.  In the last six months, Canada has helped to feed 1.7 million people in Iraq, provided shelter and relief supplies to 1.25 million and helped provide education to at least 500,000 children.

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For more information call the office of Hon. Gerry Ritz 613-992-9703