PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER MEETS WITH CANADIAN ARMED FORCES MEMBERS STATIONED IN KUWAIT

Introduction

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today met with Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members stationed in Kuwait who are participating in the international coalition fighting the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Prime Minister Harper took the opportunity to thank the Canadian troops in Kuwait personally for their courage and efforts in the fight against ISIS. During his visit, he ate with CAF members, slept overnight in a military barracks and delivered remarks praising their commitment to fighting for justice and freedom for Canadians as well as the innocent civilians in the region being murdered and displaced by jihadi terrorists.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by retired National Hockey League (NHL) stars Paul Coffey and Ryan Smyth who shared some of their favourite personal sports memories with the troops and delighted CAF members by joining them in a number of pick-up hockey games.

Quick Facts

• Canada is a leading member in the international coalition against ISIS. Canada’s current military contribution against ISIS, known as Operation IMPACT, was recently extended to March 30, 2016. It includes: up to 69 Canadian Special Operations Forces personnel to advise and assist Iraqi forces in northern Iraq; a key aerial enabler force package consisting of approximately 280 aircrew and other personnel, one CC-150 Polaris aerial refuelling aircraft, up to two CP-140 Aurora aerial surveillance aircraft, as required; a strike force package consisting of approximately 320 aircrew and other personnel, and up to six CF-188 Hornet fighter aircraft, participating in coalition air strikes against ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria. Canada has provided approximately $10 million in non-lethal equipment to Iraqi forces and transported over one million pounds of military equipment and ammunition donated by allies for Iraqi forces.
• As of April 25, 2015, Canadian air assets have conducted 829 sorties over Iraq:
o CF-188 Hornet fighters conducted 540 sorties.
o CC-150T Polaris aerial refueller conducted 140 sorties, delivering some 8,236,000 pounds of fuel to coalition aircraft.
o CP-140 Aurora aircraft conducted 149 reconnaissance missions.
• Up to 69 members of the Canadian Special Operations Forces are working with our allies in an advisory and assistance role by providing strategic and tactical advice to Iraqi forces.

Quote

“It was an honour and a privilege to be in Kuwait today to visit with the brave men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces who are fighting ISIS with other members of the international coalition to bring peace and security to the region. Canada will never accept violent jihadism and the unspeakable horrors being carried out against innocent children, women and men by ISIS. Our military will continue to fight for freedom and justice in the world and to protect Canadians against the threat of terrorism. We salute their courage, commend their honour and wish them a safe return home.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper