Debate on troop withdrawal

Photo: Contributed - robnicholsonmp

Proposed NDP amendments to the federal government's motion to expand its mission in the Middle East will seek to end most of Canada's military role as soon as possible.

MPs are currently debating the Conservative proposal to extend the current mission for as long as another year and expand it to include airstrikes in Syria.

Foreign Affairs Minister Rob Nicholson says Canada has a responsibility to confront the threat posed by the militants of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

But the Opposition New Democrats say Canada can be involved in that fight in ways that don't involve dropping bombs or training foreign fighters.

Their amendments call for the Canadian Forces to stop taking part in airstrikes and training as soon as possible and for the government to shift its focus to humanitarian and diplomatic efforts.

But they don't rule out a role for the military altogether, proposing military support for the transportation of weapons to help the fight against ISIL.