CANADA's news

Canada to assume command of new NATO training mission in Iraq

July 11, 2018
Brussels, Belgium

As a founding member of NATO, Canada has demonstrated strong and active leadership in the organization. Our country has always answered the call to protect international peace and security.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that Canada will expand our leadership role by assuming command of a new NATO training and capacity building mission in Iraq for its first year.

The mission is the natural next step for Canada, as we move forward from the successful fight against Daesh to helping build institutional capacity in Iraq and create the foundations for longer-term peace and stability. Canada’s leadership of this new NATO training mission will complement our existing efforts in the Global Coalition Against Daesh, transitioning our support for Iraq to meet present needs and solidify gains.

Iraq faces significant challenges in rebuilding the capacity of its security forces. Canada’s contribution will help build security capacity and improve democratic governance. As part of this mission, up to 250 Canadian Armed Forces members will join partner countries in helping Iraq build a more effective national security structure and improve training for Iraqi security forces.

Canada’s leadership role will start in Fall 2018 and run to Fall 2019. Troops will be deployed to Baghdad and the vicinity. Canada’s contribution will also include the deployment of up to four Griffon helicopters to support NATO activities.

Quote

“Since NATO’s creation in 1949, Canada has played a strong and active role in missions to advance peace and security for our citizens and people around the world. We are proud to take a leadership role in Iraq, and work with our Allies and the Government of Iraq, to help this region of the Middle East transition to long-lasting peace and stability.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• Prime Minister Trudeau announced this new NATO mission during the “Our Shared Global Values” engagement event today just before the NATO Summit.
• Under Operation IMPACT, the Canadian Armed Forces is already providing training and assistance to the Iraqi security forces and helping regional forces build their capacity.
• Canada is also currently contributing mobile training teams to NATO’s counter-improvised explosive device capacity building efforts for Iraq. This initiative builds on that effort.
• Last year, the Government of Canada unveiled Strong, Secure, Engaged –a comprehensive, ambitious, once-in-a-generation defence policy which includes historic new funding for Canada’s military.
• The new defence policy represents an increase of more than 70% of Canada’s defence budget between 2016 and 2026, and will give Canada’s armed forces the capability to be even more active beyond its borders, and expand its active leadership in NATO.
• Canada, along with 11 other countries, founded NATO in 1949 on the fundamental values of democracy, individual liberty, human rights, and the rule of law. For more than six decades, NATO has proven itself as a major contributor to international peace, security, and stability.

Related Product

• Backgrounder: Canada’s leadership in Iraq

Associated Links

• Canada in NATO
• Prime Minister Trudeau to attend NATO Summit
• Operation IMPACT

Statement by the Prime Minister on Imamat Day

July 11, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Imamat Day:

“Today, Ismaili Muslims across Canada and around the world celebrate the anniversary of the ascension of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV to the Throne of the Imamat.

“On July 11^th, 1957, His Highness The Aga Khan became the 49^th hereditary Imam – spiritual leader – of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.

“Over the last 61 years, the Aga Khan has been a strong voice for Ismailis and an advocate for people around the world of all origins and faiths. He has worked tirelessly to reduce poverty, advance gender equality, and champion healthcare and education for the most vulnerable.

“The Aga Khan is a global humanitarian leader who has inspired so many of us to serve our communities and believe in a peaceful, more inclusive world.

“The values promoted by His Highness – kindness, compassion, and respect for diversity and human rights – are deeply held in Canada. We are proud to have bestowed honorary Canadian citizenship on the Aga Khan, and honoured to host both the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto and His Highness’ Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa. This centre leads vital conversations on how diversity and pluralism enrich our communities and strengthen our societies.

“Today, as celebrations for his diamond jubilee year come to a close, we reflect on the Aga Khan’s example, the importance of seeing ourselves in each other, and building bridges, rather than barriers, between communities.

“I wish all Ismaili Canadians celebrating Imamat Day a heartfelt Khushiali Mubarak!”

Reminder - Itinerary for July 11 and 12, 2018

July 10, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

Note: All times local

Itinerary for Wednesday, July 11:

Brussels, Belgium

10:00 a.m. The Prime Minister, along with Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland and Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan, will participate in the Brussels Summit Dialogue.

Summit Dialogue Tent
New NATO Headquarters

Note for media:

• Open coverage

10:40 a.m. The Prime Minister will arrive at the new NATO Headquarters.

Boulevard Léopold III
New NATO Headquarters

Note for media:

• Photo opportunity

1:15 p.m.  The Prime Minister will be greeted by the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Jens Stoltenberg.

Public Square, East Entrance
New NATO Headquarters

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity

1:35 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend the Leaders Agora Walkthrough.

Agora, Level 0
New NATO Headquarters

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity

1:50 p.m. The Prime Minister will take part in the Official NATO Leaders Family Photograph.

VVIP Grand Stand, Flags Square
New NATO Headquarters

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity  

1:55 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend the Opening Ceremony of the North Atlantic Council.

VVIP Grand Stand, Flags Square
New NATO Headquarters 

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity  

2:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the North Atlantic Council Working Session.

Room 1, Level 0
Conference Centre
New NATO Headquarters

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the session

5:15 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Prime Minister of Sweden, Stefan Löfven.

New NATO Headquarters

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting

6:45 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend the Leaders Reception.

Outside Pavilion
Place du Cinquantenaire

Note for media:

• NATO official photographers only

7:10 p.m. The Prime Minister will take part in the Leaders’ Family Photographs.

Place du Cinquantenaire

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity

7:45 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the North Atlantic Council Working Dinner chaired by the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Jens Stoltenberg.

China Room, Level 1
Art & History Museum

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity of the entrance of the leaders

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Itinerary for Thursday, July 12:

Brussels, Belgium

8:15 a.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez.

New NATO Headquarters

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting

8:45 a.m. The Prime Minister will participate in a meeting of the North Atlantic Council with Georgia and Ukraine.

Room 1, Level 0
Conference Centre
New NATO Headquarters

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting

10:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will participate in a meeting of the North Atlantic Council with Operation Resolute Support Partner Nations and Potential Partner Nations.‎

Room 3, Level 0
Conference Centre
New NATO Headquarters

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting

1:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will hold a media availability.

Briefing Room 12, level 0
New NATO Headquarters

Note for media:

• Open coverage

6:00 p.m. The Prime Minister will depart for Ottawa, Ontario.

Melsbroek Military Airbase

Closed to media