Members of the governing Liberal caucus are set to hold a virtual meeting Friday after some MPs raised concerns about Prime Minister Mark Carney’s shifting position on the escalating war involving Iran.
According to sources familiar with the discussion, Anita Anand will brief Liberal MPs on the situation in the Middle East and the government’s official position. The meeting will also allow MPs to ask questions about Canada’s messaging and the support being provided to Canadians in the region by Global Affairs Canada.
The briefing comes after a statement issued at the beginning of the conflict that expressed Canada’s support for the United States and Israel in their strikes against Iran.
The statement, attributed to both Carney and Anand, said Canada supported efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and described Iran as a major source of instability in the Middle East. However, critics noted that the initial statement did not mention the need for all parties to follow international law.
Concerns Raised Within Liberal Caucus
The omission prompted criticism from some Liberal MPs, including Will Greaves, who said Canada should not endorse military actions that violate international law.
“Canada cannot endorse the unilateral and illegal use of military force, the killing of civilians or the kidnap and assassination of foreign heads of government,” Greaves said in a video posted to social media.
Two other Liberal MPs, speaking privately, said they also raised concerns with cabinet and staff at the Prime Minister’s Office about the wording of the initial statement.
One MP reportedly told officials that the position appeared to condone actions that could violate international law, questioning whether previous Canadian leaders would have supported such a stance.
Government Messaging Evolves
In subsequent remarks during a visit to Australia, Carney clarified that Canada’s support for the strikes was “not a blank cheque” and emphasized that international law applies to all sides involved in the conflict.
He later urged all parties, including the United States and Israel, to respect the rules governing international engagement.
Carney also said Canada could not “categorically rule out” participating in military action if allies request assistance, adding that Canada will stand by its allies when necessary.
Opposition Criticism
The shifting messaging has drawn criticism from opposition parties.
Michael Chong called the prime minister’s position on the Iran conflict “utterly incoherent.”
The Conservatives have called for a parliamentary debate before any Canadian military deployment related to the conflict.
Meanwhile, the New Democratic Party is considering requesting an emergency debate in the House of Commons when Parliament resumes sitting.
Carney is currently concluding an overseas trip that included visits to India and Australia and is expected to return to Canada after a final stop in Japan.