No CF-18s and more trainers: the future of the anti-ISIS mission
This week on the mid-week podcast of The House, we break down this week's announcement about Canada's future contribution to the fight against ISIS with Elinor Sloan, political science professor at Carleton University, and Thomas Juneau, professor at the University of Ottawa's School of Public and International Affairs.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced this week that Canada will cease to conduct airstrikes against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria by Feb. 22, while it beefs up its military efforts, including the number of special forces deployed on the ground to train Iraqi forces.
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Canada's new contribution also includes an increased diplomatic presence and more humanitarian, all of which will total more than $1.6 billion over the next three years. That will include:
- $264 million to extend the military mission in Iraq and Syria for one year until March 31, 2017.
- $145 million over three years in non-military security efforts, such as counter-terrorism initiatives.
- $840 million over three years in humanitarian assistance.
- $270 million over three years to "build local capacity" in Jordan and Lebanon, where there are a large number of refugees.
- $42 million to redeploy staff and equipment to the region over the course of the new military commitment.
