14.3 Canada's Response to Global Conflicts and Terrorism

Canada's response to global conflicts and terrorism evolved significantly from the 1980s to the present. The nation faced tough decisions in balancing international commitments, national security, and humanitarian concerns.

From the Afghanistan War to the Syrian refugee crisis, Canada grappled with its role on the world stage. These events shaped Canada's foreign policy, military involvement, and approach to global security challenges.

Afghanistan War and Canadian Response

9/11 Terrorist Attacks and Afghanistan War

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• Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four airplanes on September 11, 2001, crashing them into the World Trade Center towers (New York City), the Pentagon (Washington D.C.), and a field in Pennsylvania, killing nearly 3,000 people
• The United States launched a military campaign against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban government in Afghanistan, which had provided a safe haven for the terrorist group
• Canada, as a NATO member, invoked Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty for the first time, considering the attack on the United States as an attack on all NATO members

Operation Apollo and Anti-terrorism Measures

• Canada contributed to the international military effort in Afghanistan through Operation Apollo, deploying troops, naval vessels, and aircraft to support the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom
• The Canadian government passed the Anti-terrorism Act in response to the 9/11 attacks, which amended the Criminal Code, Official Secrets Act, and other laws to enhance the government's ability to prevent, detect, and prosecute terrorist activities
• The Act expanded the powers of law enforcement and intelligence agencies, such as the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), to investigate and prevent terrorist threats

Canadian Involvement and Casualties in Afghanistan

• Canadian Forces participated in combat operations, provincial reconstruction, and training of Afghan National Security Forces during the Afghanistan War
• Canada suffered 158 military casualties and more than 2,000 injured during its 12-year mission in Afghanistan (2001-2014), marking the country's largest military deployment since World War II
• The war sparked debates within Canada about the role of its military, the effectiveness of its reconstruction efforts, and the human costs of the conflict

Iraq War and Political Debate

Canada's Decision Not to Join the Iraq War

• In 2003, the United States and a "coalition of the willing" invaded Iraq, claiming that Saddam Hussein's regime possessed weapons of mass destruction and had ties to terrorist organizations
• Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien decided not to join the U.S.-led invasion, citing the lack of a clear United Nations Security Council resolution authorizing military action
• This decision strained Canada-U.S. relations but was widely supported by the Canadian public and opposition parties

Diplomatic Efforts and International Summits

• Canada sought to maintain its influence and relationships with key allies through diplomatic efforts and participation in international forums, such as the G7/G8 summits
• Prime Minister Chrétien used these summits to emphasize the importance of multilateralism, international law, and the role of the United Nations in addressing global security threats
• Despite tensions over Iraq, Canada continued to cooperate with the United States on border security, intelligence sharing, and other security matters

Syrian Refugee Crisis and ISIS

Syrian Civil War and Refugee Crisis

• The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, led to a massive humanitarian crisis, with millions of Syrians displaced internally or seeking refuge in neighboring countries and Europe
• Canada initially faced criticism for its slow response to the refugee crisis, but in 2015, the newly elected Liberal government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged to resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees by early 2016
• Canada's refugee resettlement program involved collaboration between the federal government, provincial governments, private sponsors, and community organizations

Rise of ISIS and Canada's Response

• The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) emerged as a significant terrorist threat during the Syrian Civil War, seizing territory in Syria and Iraq and inspiring attacks worldwide
• Canada joined the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS, contributing military assets, intelligence, and humanitarian aid to support the fight against the terrorist group
• The Canadian government also introduced new anti-terrorism legislation, such as the Anti-terrorism Act, 2015 (Bill C-51), which expanded the powers of intelligence agencies and criminalized the promotion of terrorism, although critics argued that the law infringed on civil liberties