OTTAWA - The foreign affairs minister is promising $10 million in targeted support for victims of the ongoing conflict in Iraq as the House of Commons debates whether to send Canadian fighter jets as well.
John Baird says the money will be focused on helping victims of sexual violence and going after their attackers within the extremist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
Baird made the pledge at the start of today's debate on Canada's combat mission to Iraq, which will include fighter planes, surveillance aircraft and support personnel for up to six months.
The opposition NDP and Liberals have indicated they will not support the plan, partly out of concern Canada could be dragged into a lengthy quagmire.
Baird says Canada will be judged in future by whether it took on the fight against ISIL or ducked it, and he hopes Parliament will stand up for those being brutalized by the regime.
The largely symbolic debate — the Conservative majority means the combat-mission motion will most likely be passed — is expected to continue into Tuesday with a vote Tuesday night.
