Canada Responds to Airstrike in Iraq

Canada Responds to Airstrike in Iraq

Statement from Minister Champagne Following the Airstrike Carried out by the U.S. on Iranian Commander Qasem Soleimani in Iraq

January 3, 2020 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today released the following statement on the airstrike carried out by the U.S. on Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in Iraq:

“Canada is in contact with our international partners. The safety and well-being of Canadians in Iraq and the region, including our troops and diplomats, is our paramount concern.

“We call on all sides to exercise restraint and pursue de-escalation. Our goal is and remains a united and stable Iraq.

“Canada has long been concerned by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Qods Force, led by Qasem Soleimani, whose aggressive actions have had a destabilizing effect in the region and beyond.”

A letter from General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff, to Canadians about our deployed personnel in the Middle East.

General Jonathan Vance, Chief of Defence Staff, met with Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence and Prime Minister Trudeau to discuss the latest developments in Iraq. The safety and well-being of Canadians in the region is the top priority, and the government will keep monitoring the situation closely and encouraging de-escalation. (January 6, 2020)