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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on July 11, 2018, announced that Canada will expand its leadership role by assuming command of a new NATO training and capacity building mission in Iraq for its first year.
Canada’s leadership of this new NATO training mission will complement its existing efforts in the Global Coalition Against Daesh, transitioning its 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.
“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,” said Trudeau.
