Former Canadian foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy is raising concerns about Ottawa’s response to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, saying the government’s position lacks clarity and could draw Canada closer to the war.
Speaking to CTV Your Morning ahead of a planned debate in the House of Commons, Axworthy said Canada has not clearly stated where it stands on the key legal question surrounding the conflict. He said international law considers acts of aggression to be crimes and argued that Canada should be more direct in outlining its position on the matter.
Axworthy served as Canada’s top diplomat under former prime minister Jean Chrétien from 1996 to 2000. He said the government’s current messaging has been inconsistent. While Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that Canada does not intend to take part in attacks against Iran, Ottawa has also expressed support for the military effort while discussing potential assistance to Gulf states facing retaliatory strikes.
According to Axworthy, even providing defensive military support could signal Canada’s deeper involvement in the conflict. He said such a move risks placing the country on a “slippery slope” that could gradually expand its role in the war.
Instead, Axworthy believes Canada should prioritize diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the fighting while focusing on protecting and assisting Canadians currently in the Middle East. He said Ottawa could play a constructive role by encouraging negotiations and supporting humanitarian efforts as the conflict continues to escalate.
The former minister also drew comparisons to Canada’s decision not to join the U.S. led invasion of Iraq in 2003. At the time, he said, many members of Parliament made it clear they would not support Canadian participation in the military campaign. Axworthy suggested a similar debate could emerge as MPs discuss the Iran conflict.
He also cautioned that Canada should be careful in its communications with U.S. President Donald Trump. Axworthy said any indication that Canada might expand its role could encourage Washington to expect greater involvement from Ottawa, something he believes the government should avoid.
