With Canadian airmen now heading to war in Iraq following last week's divisive vote in Parliament, west central Albertans join their fellow Canadians in hoping this new military undertaking will prove less costly in human casualty terms than the recent Afghanistan mission.
Editorial
With Canadian airmen now heading to war in Iraq following last week's divisive vote in Parliament, west central Albertans join their fellow Canadians in hoping this new military undertaking will prove less costly in human casualty terms than the recent Afghanistan mission.
And residents here will also expect the Harper government to keep all MPs and the nation fully informed of the mission's progress.
Following a bitter debate in the House that ended Oct. 7, Conservative MPs used their majority to push through the vote authorizing the mission, which will include the deployment of six fighter jets, a refuelling aircraft and about 600 ground crew personnel.
The government says the mission is aimed at degrading the capabilities of the ISIS or ISIL militant extremist organization, which has been responsible for widespread atrocities, including the execution of hostages.
"It has tortured and beheaded children," said Prime Minister Harper. "It has raped and sold women in slavery. It has slaughtered minorities, captured prisoners and innocent civilians whose only crime is being or thinking differently.
"Our government has a duty to protect Canadians and to shoulder our burden in efforts to combat threats such as ISIL. We must do our part."
The Canadian pilots and crews will be working with military personnel from the U.S., the U.K. and other countries in the multi-national offensive against ISIL.
Unlike the Afghanistan mission, the Iraq mission authorized by Parliament last week does not include the deployment of ground troops.
Opposition parties say the mission should not be taking place.
"The Conservative government has plunged Canada into a prolonged war without a credible plan to help victims of ISIL terror," said NDP Leader Tom Mulcair. "They have also opened the door to Canadian involvement in Syria's bloody civil war.
"It is impossible to have confidence in the judgment of a prime minister who sends Canada into an unclear mission for an unspecified period, in an undefined area, with uncertain utility."
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau said, "The prime minister has failed to demonstrate transparency and accountability for sending Canada into war. The (Liberal Party of Canada) disagrees with the government on how Canada can best help confront the threat of ISIL."
As with the recent Afghanistan mission, this latest military undertaking will very likely hold many risks and dangers for the Canadian airmen and crews involved.
As such, Canadians will expect the Harper government to keep the nation fully informed and to bring the matter back before Parliament if and when the public deems it necessary.
