Harper To Ask Parliament To Extend, Expand Mission Against Isil

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he intends to ask Parliament next week to extend  and expand Canada's participation in the war against Islamic extremists in Iraq.

 

And Harper isn't ruling out that the expansion could include engagement in Syria.

 

Last fall, Parliament approved Canada's participation in air strikes against Islamic State forces in Iraq for six months and time is running out.

 

"Next week it is the government's plan to move forward with a request for Parliament for extension and expansion of the mission," Harper said Wednesday after a trade-related announcement in Mississauga, Ont. 

 

Sources have previously told The Canadian Press that an extension would likely involve a commitment of more than six months, in part so it doesn't expire during the fall election campaign.

 

The motion approved by Parliament last fall limited Canada's involvement to the campaign in Iraq, with the government saying at the time that in order to participate in air strikes in Syria, there would have to be an explicit invitation on the part of the Syrian government.

 

"The current authorization laid open the possibility of going to Syria although we have not done that," Harper said Wednesday.

 

"But we'll address issues like that next week when I make a proposal to the House of Commons."

 

The air force has six CF-18 jets bombing Islamic State targets along with two surveillance planes and an aerial tanker operating out of bases in Kuwait.

 

The Harper cabinet doesn't need Parliament to authorize a renewed commitment at any time, but the Conservatives have sought all-party support in the House of Commons for such missions, even if they have rarely received it