OTTAWA – Despite Stephen Harper’s claims that humanitarian help goes hand in hand with military action in Iraq and Syria, Canada’s plan to expand its Middle East mission has yet to be linked with additional financial aid.
So far, Canada has contributed about $100 million towards the situation in Iraq and millions more in Syria. The humanitarian aid portion – about $67 million for measures like food relief and emergency shelter – has been spent.
The Harper government says it has not ruled out allocating additional funds and is continuing to assess the needs of the region.
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But the motion being debated by Parliament this week is focused solely on the military aspect of the mission, as the security situation on the ground doesn’t yet allow for more sustained development programs.
The opposition, however, says Canada needs to play more of a role on that front and they will be pressuring the government to expand its focus.
NDP Leader Tom Mulcair says the question that needs to be asked is how Canada can be most effective, and that’s where efforts should be focused.
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