Overview
- After backlash for skipping a government-initiated take-note debate, Prime Minister Mark Carney added Question Period to his schedule and appeared in the Commons on Tuesday.
- In the chamber, Carney said Canada was not consulted, is not involved and “will never participate” in offensive operations against Iran by the United States and Israel.
- A Prime Minister’s Office readout on the Incident Response Group reiterated non-participation and stressed protecting Canadians, evacuation support and de-escalation efforts.
- Opposition parties demanded a clear, consistent policy as Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand told the debate that international law must be respected and that Ottawa has no intention of joining the strikes.
- While the government asserts non-participation, Defence Chief Gen. Jennie Carignan has discussed potential support roles with European counterparts, and Carney has consulted allies including President Donald Trump and Qatar’s emir.