Government of Canada
Symbol of the Government of Canada

Government of Canada

Jordan.gc.ca

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. >
  3. Bilateral Relations

Canada-Iraq Relations

In Iraq, Canada is represented by the Embassy of Canada in Amman, Jordan.

Iraq is represented in Canada by the Embassy of Iraq in Ottawa.

Bilateral relations: Canada believes that the establishment of a stable and democratic Iraq is in the interest of global peace and prosperity. In 2003, Canada chose not to join the US-led military coalition which invaded Iraq in 2003. However, it was among the first countries to provide humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to Iraq following the invasion.

Development and humanitarian assistance: Between 2003 and 2010, Canada disbursed $300 million toward Iraqi reconstruction and humanitarian assistance. Of the total, $115 million was disbursed through the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq, managed by the World Bank and the United Nations. Canadian funding has supported governance and judicial reform, the rehabilitation of community services, and has addressed humanitarian needs. While CIDA’s bilateral programming in Iraq finished in 2010, Iraq will also continue to benefit from regional initiatives funded by CIDA and remains eligible to receive targeted funding for future humanitarian needs.

Commercial ties: As Iraq's reconstruction continues, the growing Iraqi economy (averaging a growth of 6% during 2005-2009), Iraq’s abundant natural resources and post-war reconstruction will continue to provide business opportunities for Canadian companies.

Canada is currently the 8th largest foreign investor in Iraq with a strong representation by Canadian oil companies in Iraqi Kurdistan. Reconstruction efforts in Iraq will continue to create significant business opportunities for Canadian companies who have become increasingly involved in the infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, housing and power generation sectors.

In terms of Canada's exports to Iraq, Canada has been one of the most important suppliers of wheat and other food products such as canola, pulses, and soya. Exports of heavy machinery used in the oil and gas sector are also on the rise. Exports from Iraq to Canada are composed almost entirely of heavy oil and other petroleum products. 

Resettlement of Iraqi refugees: Working with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Canada plays an active part in resettling Iraqi refugees living in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. In 2009, it resettled almost 4,000 Iraqi refugees, representing one third of Canada’s global resettlement target. The Canadian program, run through the regional processing centre in Damascus is the second largest (after the U.S.); a total of 20,000 Iraqi refugees are expected to be resettled from the region by the end of 2013.

July 2011

* If you require a plug-in or a third-party software to view this file, please visit the alternative formats section of our help page.

Footer

Date Modified:
2012-08-13