QUESTION PERIOD — National Defence
Military Involvement in the Middle East
June 2, 2026
Senator Moreau, my question is about the lack of transparency, possibly a lack of honesty and the potential hidden risks regarding Canada’s military in the Middle East. Canadian Armed Forces members cannot be involved in foreign operations without the approval of the Government of Canada. We are told that our military members serving on exchange with U.S. forces remain in their posts but have been assigned other duties outside of the campaign against Iran. Yet, when asked about the exact time when our troops were told to perform these other duties, the Department of National Defence failed to respond.
Can you clearly explain to Canadians what these other duties in the Middle East actually entail? Are Canadian soldiers helping in this war directly or indirectly?
Thank you for the question, Senator McPhedran, but there is a security issue related to any answer that would be given to your question. Therefore, I don’t have a specific answer to your question. I will raise the issue with the minister and, if it’s possible, get back to you with an answer.
If you could please also ask, as part of that question, this: Were these other duties assigned before or after the war against Iran started?
Once again, when I know what “other duties” mean, I will see whether or not I can answer the question. If it’s possible, I will get back to you with this.
