No need for more debate on Canada’s Afghan role: Foreign Affairs
Posted March 30, 2010 9:23 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
GATINEAU, Que. — Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon said there is no need for any further debate on Canada’s future role in Afghanistan.
Before a meeting of G8 foreign ministers started Tuesday morning, Cannot said there won’t be any combat role for Canadian troops after 2011.
Therefore, Cannon said there’s no need to bring the matter before Parliament again.
The issue did not come up during a brief photo opportunity prior to a meeting between Prime Minister Stephen Harper and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
The tone appeared cordial as the two shook hands a day after Clinton criticized Canada for excluding aboriginal groups and some Arctic countries from Monday’s meeting of polar coastal states.
The Opposition called for a parliamentary debate after Clinton said her country would like to see Canadian troops stay in Afghanistan past the 2011 withdrawal date set by Parliament.
Clinton suggested Canada might want to consider leaving some troops behind to help train Afghan forces. But Cannon maintained that there will be no extension of the military mission beyond next year’s Parliamentary approved withdrawal date.
