Gauging Canada's response to Iran's missile barrage on Israel

Photo: Contributed

Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola MP Dan Albas

The world was stunned this week by the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Iran's recent attack on Israel, involving 180 ballistic missiles, has sparked significant concern and intense discussions in Ottawa.

Earlier this week, an emergency debate occurred in the House of Commons that was requested by the NDP foreign affairs critic regarding Canada's response escalating conflict in the Middle East and its evacuation measures. That raises the obvious question as to what is Canada’s position on this situation.
After the recent ballistic missile attack from Iran, the statement from Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Official Opposition Conservatives was clear.

“(We’re) horrified by Tehran’s latest assault against innocent Israeli civilians with missile barrages and terrorist attacks. Millions of civilians are forced to shelter from the attacks. Conservatives support Israel’s right to defend itself and defeat the terrorists,” he said.

The initial response from the Liberal government by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly was also reported in national media headlines: “Joly asks Israel not to retaliate after it was hit by missile barrage from Iran.”
That led to an exchange in Question Period in the House of Commons, where Poilievre asked if the government believes unequivocally that Israel has the right to defend itself. Because the question was asked, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has now publicly stated his government condemns Iran and says Israel has the right to defend itself. It should also be noted Israel's ambassador to Canada has asked for Canada's support.

“At this critical moment for Israel and for the region, the State of Israel calls on Canada to stand with it as a fellow liberal democracy," said the ambassador.
The federal government has also started making reservations on some commercial flights to help get Canadians who want to leave get out of Lebanon. At this time it is unknown what, if any, response will come from Israel although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to “hit back.”

The United States, under the administration of President Joe Biden promised "severe consequences" for Iran. French President Emmanuel Macron also issued a statement condemning Iran's attacks and also as a sign of commitment to Israel, saying France will mobilize its military resources in the Middle East.

Britain released a statement indicating British forces played a role in attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East, without providing details.
My question this week:

Are you satisfied with how the Trudeau Liberal government has been responding to the conflict in this region. Why or why not?

I can be reached at [email protected] or call toll-free 1-800-665-8711.

Dan Albas is the Conservative MP for Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.