Brig.-Gen. Lise Bourgon heads Canada's ISIS fight
Command of Canada’s joint task force against ISIS changes hands
A former Nova Scotian commander has taken control of Canada's mission against ISIS.
Brig.-Gen Lise Bourgon, previously commander of Wing 12 Shearwater, accepted the position Wednesday at Camp Canada in Kuwait.
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The Joint Task Force Iraq is Canada's role in Operation IMPACT, the coalition against ISIS, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. The task force includes around 600 Canadian Armed Forces personnel, the Air Task Force Iraq, planning teams and liaison officers.
"I am honoured to be leading a team of highly trained professionals working diligently to assist in halting and degrading ISIS," Bourgon said.
"Together we will build upon the excellent work of Brigadier-General [Dan] Constable and the first rotation of Operation IMPACT personnel as part of the Middle East Stabilization Force."
Bourgon, a Royal Canadian Air Force Maritime helicopter pilot, has served in command roles throughout her career, including as commanding officer of 406 Maritime Operational Training Squadron. She was promoted to her current rank on April 23.
"I congratulate Brigadier-General Bourgon on her appointment as commander of Joint Task Force Iraq," Defence Minister Jason Kenney said. "Under her strong leadership I know our military contribution to the global fight against ISIS will continue to exemplify the capability and skill of the Canadian Armed Forces and be a point of pride for all Canadians."
On March 30, Operation IMPACT was extended for up to another year, and its mission has been expanded to include airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria.
Bourgon takes over command from Brig.-Gen. Dan Constable.
"I am incredibly proud of what the Operation IMPACT team of brave and committed Canadians accomplished during the past seven months," Constable said. "I want to thank them and their families, and all Canadians, whose support means so much to those of us who serve."
Canada's involvement in the coalition against ISIS has included 896 airstrikes, 163 reconnaissance missions, and deliveries of over nine million pounds of fuel to coalition aircraft.