OTTAWA, Canada - Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper today
issued the following statement following the passage of a motion in the House
of Commons to extend and expand Canada’s mission to counter the so-called
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL):
“Our Government believes that we must act to protect Canadians against
the threat of terrorism at home and abroad.
“As a result of ISIL’s specific threats against Canada and Canadians,
our Government has worked closely for the past six months as part of a broad
international Coalition, including our closest allies, to help degrade and
disrupt ISIL’s ability to inflict harm.
“While the Coalition has succeeded in stopping ISIL’s territorial
spread, the global threat that ISIL poses remains. In particular, we cannot
stand on the sidelines while ISIL continues to promote terrorism in Canada as
well as against our allies and partners, nor can we allow ISIL to have a safe
haven in Syria.
“That is why I am pleased that the House of Commons has passed a motion
supporting the Government’s decision to extend and expand Canada’s
military mission against ISIL for up to 12 months.
“The mission will remain focused on targeting ISIL from the air and
advising and assisting Iraqi Forces to fight ISIL more effectively on the
ground.
“This mission by our Canadian Armed Forces is complemented by
significant humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering this terrorist group
is inflicting on innocent civilians – including women, children and
vulnerable religious and ethnic minorities.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I offer our nation’s profound gratitude
and unequivocal support to all members of the Canadian Armed Forces engaged
in Operation IMPACT and to their families. We are honoured by their service,
sacrifice and bravery.”