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Despite Conservative warnings about the “horrific” threat posed by the Islamic State, new figures show Canadian military aircraft have conducted less than three per cent of all coalition missions in Iraq and Syria.

The war against ISIL figured prominently on the campaign trail Monday as Conservative Leader Stephen Harper used a stop in Markham, Ont., to pledge that a re-elected Conservative government would provide more assistance for religious minorities and refugees in the Middle East.

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Harper went on to criticize Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau and NDP Leader Tom Mulcair for promising to end Canada’s participation in the U.S.-led bombing campaign against ISIL, saying humanitarian aid alone won’t solve the crisis.

“What is happening in the areas controlled by (ISIL) is really something we have not seen in millennia. It’s just beyond horrific,” he said, adding, “We are a country that can contribute militarily and in the humanitarian sense, and we are doing both.”