One of several of my unpublished stories written for the Toronto Observer. Written on March 31st.
The Canadian military could be in the Middle East for another six months to a year if Prime Minister Stephan Harper has his way.
In a speech Harper gave in the House of Commons Tuesday he outlined his plan to expand the operating area of Canadian military into Syria to prevent the growth of ISIL.
Harper insisted that it is necessary for Canadians to continue their mission in Iraq to combat ISIL which is growing at "a truly terrifying pace" and are "far from an idle threat." Harper said that extending the mission will not change Canada's non-combat role in the conflict.
"Our objectives remain the same: we intend to continue to degrade the capabilities of ISIL, that is, to degrade its ability to engage in military movements of scale," Harper said.
NDP leader Thomas Mulcair and Liberal leader Justin Trudeau voiced concerns about Harper's plan after the announcement. Mulcair insisted that Canada "has no place" in the conflict in Iraq. Trudeau accused Harper of being dishonest with Canadians about the nature of the military's mission.
"Canadians need to know what the government is getting them into," Trudeau said.
The Observer took to the streets to get reactions from the public. When asked if they thought the Canadian military should extend their mission in Iraq, some responses were:
"I don't really know what's going on over there anymore. I heard we're moving into Syria but I thought no Canadians were on the ground?" said Vanny, a high school teacher.
"I think that we need to protect ourselves but I think this is going to cause more problems... for everyone," said Brandon , an environmental engineer and university student.
"I think we should take up a non-combat role, like providing economic support. It seems that we're doing this to maintain international relations. But this is not our war. It's not a UN mission and it's not a NATO mission," said Cameron, a journalist and university student. When asked if he thinks ISIL poses a threat to Canadians he added "I think a lot of their (ISIL's) threats are empty. To make them seem more capable than they are."
"Canada should continue its current initiative overseas. I don't think leaving foreign countries would decrease the threat level at home. They should remain deployed for as long as it takes. Indefinitely if need be," responded Adrian, a construction worker and business owner.
"There's no legal basis for this mission at this point in time. Your (the Conservatives) disregard for diplomatic law is symptomatic of (their) approach to this mission, which is irresponsible and doesn't take seriously the need to protect the lives of the Canadian Armed Forces." Said Matthew Kellway, NDP Member of Parliament for Beaches-East York.
When asked if he thought Canadians were clear on what the mission in Iraq was Kellway responded "If Canadians are confused or simply don't know what our troops are doing and engaged with in Iraq and now maybe Syria it's perfectly understandable. This is a government that's been economical with the truth and that's the most charitable way to put it."
I've always seen Canada as a peace-keeping nation doing their part to make sure that people in countries abroad to live peacefully.What I would like to see Canada do more is reach out to the Canadian-Muslim population. So what I think needs to be done is we need to come together and engage youth and figure out whatever their angst is to have more of an open dialogue," said Georgia who works as a journalist.
