CANADA MAKES FURTHER CONTRIBUTION TO
HUMANITARIAN AND RECONSTRUCTION EFFORTS IN IRAQ
April 29, 2003
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien announced today that Canada will expand the
role of its three CC-130 Hercules aircraft currently in the Gulf region to
support immediate humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Iraq.
Canada is also prepared to make available police, corrections and legal
officers to provide assistance and advice on governance and security sector
reform as well as select units of Canada's Disaster Assistance Response Team
(DART) should they be required. Canada is responding to U.S. requests for
assistance in this post-conflict period and is assessing additional
contributions to Iraq's reconstruction.
"Canada is pleased to make this further contribution to help meet the
immediate needs of the Iraqi people," said the Prime Minister. "We
will continue working closely with the international community to determine how
best Canada can help Iraq build a future that is secure and stable."
Canada has already committed more than $100 million to humanitarian efforts
in Iraq. More than $60 million has been disbursed to date through the United
Nations and other international and Canadian organizations to help meet basic
needs, such as food, water and health care, and to protect citizens from
landmines.
In addition to today's commitment, Canada maintains an extensive military
contribution to the international campaign against terrorism. More than 1275
Canadian Forces personnel are in the Gulf region. Canada currently commands the
naval Combined Task Force 151, which includes two Canadian warships and other
coalition vessels, and operates two CP-140 Aurora aircraft, as well as the three
CC-130 Hercules aircraft.
Canada is also preparing to deploy approximately 1500 Canadian Forces to the
International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan this summer with a
further rotation extending the commitment for a full year.
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
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