Canada’s top military commander says allied countries are discussing whether they might help Persian Gulf states defend themselves from possible Iranian attacks.
Speaking at a defence and security conference in Ottawa on Thursday, Jennie Carignan, Canada’s chief of the defence staff, said allied militaries are expected to meet Friday to talk about possible options. The Canadian Armed Forces would then present advice to the federal government.
Carignan said Gulf countries would first need to say what help they require before Canada considers any support. She added that Canada is not planning to take part in the U.S. bombing campaign against Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury.
Her comments come as the Conservative Party of Canada calls for a debate in Parliament of Canada before any Canadian troops are sent to the conflict. Conservative defence critic James Bezan said Parliament should publicly decide whether Canada deploys soldiers.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said earlier this week that Canada cannot completely rule out future military involvement but called the idea hypothetical. He said Canada will continue to support its allies.
Military officials say about 200 Canadian troops are currently deployed across the Middle East on several missions. Some have been moved to other locations in the region, while others have returned to Canada since the conflict began.
Officials are also preparing in case Canadians need help leaving the region. The government says more than 107,000 Canadian citizens and permanent residents are registered in the Middle East through its voluntary travel registration system.
Canada is working on options to help citizens depart by land or air if conditions allow, including possible charter or commercial flights.
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