• Conservatives Accuse PM Carney of Flip-Flopping on Iran Conflict
Canada’s Conservatives are urging the federal government to hold a parliamentary debate before committing any Canadian troops to the escalating conflict involving Iran.
The call comes a day after Mark Carney said Canada could potentially take part in military operations if allied nations request assistance.
Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, James Bezan said decisions about deploying Canadian troops should be debated publicly in Parliament.
“It should be up to Parliament itself to say yea or nay on whether or not we’re ever going to be deploying our troops into a conflict,” Bezan said.
“Let’s have the conversation where it should be, in public so there’s transparency, in the House of Commons.”
Conservatives Criticize Carney’s Position
Bezan also accused the prime minister of sending mixed signals on the conflict.
Carney initially expressed support for U.S. airstrikes against Iran aimed at preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, but later said the move was supported “with regret,” noting concerns about whether the bombing campaign aligns with international law.
“Mark Carney has been all over the map on this,” Bezan said.
Carney has stated that Canada currently has no plans to join the military campaign led by the United States and Israel. However, he added that the government cannot categorically rule out participation if allies request assistance.
Canadian Forces Already in the Region
Steve Boivin said there are currently about 200 members of the Canadian Armed Forces deployed in the Middle East across six separate operations.
Some personnel have been relocated within the region, while others have returned to Canada since the conflict began.
Boivin said the military is also sending six liaison officers to the region to assist with planning if evacuation efforts or other operations become necessary.
At present, Canada has no naval vessels or air force aircraft stationed in the region, and Global Affairs Canada has not formally requested military assistance.
NATO Response Unlikely
International observers say a broader response by North Atlantic Treaty Organization appears unlikely at this stage.
Defence analyst Stephen Saideman of Carleton University said NATO’s collective defence clause — known as Article 5 — is unlikely to be triggered due to divisions within the alliance.
Meanwhile, Anita Anand said she recently spoke with Mark Rutte as the situation continues to evolve.
Debate Within Canada
The conflict has sparked debate within Canada as well.
Advocacy group Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East has called on the government to rule out participation in the war altogether, arguing that military involvement could violate international law and lacks public support.
Observers say the government is also facing pressure from different political groups and diaspora communities within Canada as it tries to balance diplomatic principles with geopolitical alliances.
For now, Ottawa says its focus remains on diplomacy and monitoring the rapidly evolving conflict.