Harper Calls ISIS a “Direct Threat” to Canada’s Security

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has mentioned in his latest remarks on Friday that there is “no reluctance” in his government over the decision to join the fight against Islamic State, in a tone that seemed like preparing Canadians for further involvement in the U.S.-led action against the extremist group.

Addressing reporters at a news conference, Mr. Harper warned Canadians that Islamic State “is a direct threat to the security of this country.” During an interview earlier this week, the prime minister alleged that his government is considering additional contributions to the campaign against extremist forces. Harper stated that “we do our part, that’s always been how this country has handled its international responsibilities,” adding that “and as long as I’m prime minister, that’s what we’ll continue to do.” So far, Canada has located 69 members of its Special Forces in northern Iraq to aid U.S. military advisers and support Iraqi security forces for an initial 30-day period that will end on Oct. 4. So far, the Canadian ministers have stressed that these troops are not going to participate in any combat activity.

However, Mr. Harper alleged that Canada is considering the request by the U.S. for more and will make decisions based on its own capacity and available options, adding that “but that said, there is no reluctance here.” He alleged that “these [militants] are extremely dangerous people…[and they] will almost certainly launch terrorist attacks against a range of targets across the world including this one. And that has to be countered.”