In his annual Christmas message, Prime Minister Stephen Harper urged Canadians to remember the 700 members of the military who are battling Islamic extremists in northern Iraq and to pray for their safety.
All are participating in the international effort to help Iraq fight the insurgency by Islamic State, or ISIS, militants.
Canada has six CF-18 fighter jets, an Airbus CC-150 Polaris air-to-air refuelling tanker and two CP-140 Aurora surveillance aircraft in the region.
Mr. Harper said Canadians are doing what they are known for — standing up for what is right, defending freedom and protecting the vulnerable.
On other matters, Mr. Harper addressed the state of Canada’s economy, saying more Canadians have more opportunities and better jobs than at any time in the country’s history.
He also urged Canadians to give to the less fortunate.
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