National Defence Committee on June 17th, 2015

[Rick Norlock, Conservative, Northumberland—Quinte West, ON]

There is one other quick topic because of course it's been in the news recently. President Obama announced that the United States would be sending approximately 400 additional troops to Iraq.

Can you speak to whether there are any plans to expand our Canadian Armed Forces' role in Iraq?

[Jason Kenney, Conservative, Calgary Southeast, AB]

We do not have plans to do so, Mr. Chairman. The government was clear in the motion tabled before Parliament about our intention to maintain until April of 2016 the 69 special operators in the Kurdish region as well as the nine aircraft based out of Kuwait.

Obviously, we will participate in ongoing discussions with our coalition partners, but we believe that's a significant contribution. An assessment will have to be made next spring about the nature of an ongoing Canadian commitment.

[Rick Norlock, Conservative, Northumberland—Quinte West, ON]

Thank you very much.

[The Chair, Conservative, Peter Kent]

That brings to an end—

[Jack Harris, NDP, St. John's East, NL]

Would there be time for one quick question to the minister, Mr. Chair, asking for a timeline on the implementation of the Deschamps report?

[The Chair, Conservative, Peter Kent]

To that question, Mr. Minister...?

[Jason Kenney, Conservative, Calgary Southeast, AB]

I am waiting for a detailed report from the military through Lieutenant-General Christine Whitecross, who, as the CDS has explained, is charged with developing the action plan. I look forward to receiving her advice on a timeline.

I can tell you that all of the senior military commanders with whom I have dealt on this matter have been absolutely clear that they intend to move forward with implementation of the recommendations as soon as possible.

[The Chair, Conservative, Peter Kent]

Minister Kenney, Generals, Admiral, thank you for your briefing and update on Operation Reassurance and Operation Impact.

This meeting is adjourned.