WATCH: Opposition MPs are dropping the gloves in Ottawa, fighting the Conservatives over the expansion of the mission against ISIS. Vassy Kapelos reports.
OTTAWA – The Harper government is leaving the door open to targeting groups affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant as part of its expanded mission in the Middle East.
Foreign Affairs Minister Rob Nicholson – who was supposed to have been joined by Defence Minister Jason Kenney – told a news conference today that Canada’s fight is against ISIS, also known as ISIL, but he did not rule out going after other groups.
WATCH: Rob Nicholson reaffirms government’s case for expanded anti-ISIS mission
Nicholson spoke a day after Prime Minister Stephen Harper proposed to expand and extend Canada’s war against ISIS to include air strikes on extremist positions in Syria.
The new government motion detailing that proposed expansion seeks Parliament’s blessing to extend the mission “to a date not beyond March 30, 2016.”
The motion, to be voted on by members of Parliament, will be debated beginning on Thursday.
Both NDP Leader Tom Mulcair and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau say their parties will vote against the motion.
Nicholson: No plans to expand humanitarian efforts in Iraq
Comments