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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