Relationship dossier
Canada
Iraq
Relationship assessment
Security cooperation against the Islamic State and Canadian assistance have shaped ties between Canada and Iraq.
Canada toward Iraq
+40Canada joined the campaign against the Islamic State in Iraq, conducting air operations until 2016, and has provided training and advisory support to Iraqi security forces. Canada has also contributed humanitarian and development assistance for Iraq.
Iraq toward Canada
+25The Iraqi government cooperated with the international campaign against the Islamic State, including by hosting coalition operations and engaging with security-force training and advisory missions in Iraq. This provided a basis for practical cooperation with Canada.
Overall relationship
+30The relationship has been shaped by substantial security cooperation against the Islamic State, including Canadian air operations and ongoing training and advisory engagement, as well as Canadian humanitarian assistance. Canada's opposition to the 2003 invasion of Iraq marks a notable difference in policy, but the later cooperative security relationship has been a major bilateral feature.
How to read these scores
Scores are rough judgments, not objective measurements or current verification. Directional scores describe government policy and conduct, not public opinion. The overall score is an independent estimate, never an average.
- −100
- Extreme sustained hostility
- −50
- Substantially adversarial
- 0
- Mixed or neutral, supported by knowledge
- +50
- Substantially cooperative
- +100
- Exceptionally close sustained partnership
“Not assessed” means there is no recorded score. Pair existence makes no claim about diplomatic recognition or established relations.
Relationship context
Overview
Canada and Iraq have cooperated substantially on security and humanitarian issues, particularly in the campaign against the Islamic State. Canada conducted air operations in Iraq and has supported Iraqi security forces through training and advisory missions, alongside humanitarian and development assistance. The relationship also includes differing Canadian policy toward the 2003 invasion of Iraq, but later security cooperation has been a significant feature.
Key developments
Canada joined the international campaign against the Islamic State in Iraq, including air operations.
Canada ended its airstrikes in Iraq and continued its contribution through training and advisory support.
Canada contributed to NATO's training mission in Iraq, supporting the development of Iraqi security institutions.
Major uncertainties
- The scope and continuity of Canadian training and advisory support have varied over time.
- The extent of Iraqi government engagement in specific Canadian humanitarian and development programs is unclear.