OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney told MPs Tuesday that Canada is not involved in the war between the United States, Israel and Iran — and said the country will never take part in the offensive.
Carney appeared in the House of Commons of Canada for question period after facing criticism for not speaking in Parliament about the conflict earlier in the week.
During the debate, Yves‑François Blanchet, leader of the Bloc Québécois, asked Carney to explain Canada’s position on the Middle East and share his plan for the region.
Carney said Canada supports efforts to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons and spreading terrorism, but stressed the country will not take part in the military offensive.
Blanchet also asked whether Carney had spoken with other world leaders about the conflict. The prime minister said he has talked with several G7 leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, about trying to reduce tensions.
Carney said he also spoke with Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, about the conflict and concerns over energy prices and security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Opposition MPs criticized Carney for missing a parliamentary debate on the Iran war the day before. Some said the prime minister should have been there to answer questions about Canada’s role and foreign policy.
Carney’s office said he missed the debate because he was attending a community iftar during Ramadan.
