Episode
Canada Stand in the Middle East
- Podcast
- Policy and Rights
- Published
- Mar 9, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 4471
- Processing state
not_requested
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Summary
Tokyo, Japan - Wrapping up a rigorous 10-day, three-country tour aimed at expanding Canadian market access in Asia, Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed reporters on Saturday in Tokyo, focusing heavily on the escalating security situation in the Middle East. He confirmed that, as of yet, Canada has not received any formal requests for military assistance or aid from Persian Gulf states, stating that he does not "necessarily anticipate those requests." Carney's comments come against a backdrop of rising regional instability, primarily fueled by the Iran conflict, which was initially sparked by recent military strikes carried out by the US and Israel. This situation has heightened concerns among Canada's regional allies. Just days prior, on Thursday, Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan publicly acknowledged that Gulf partners "may require defence and support" in light of the ongoing hostilities. A Contradictory Stance and Domestic Division The Prime Minister's handling of the crisis has drawn significant criticism domestically. Carney initially offered support for the US and Israeli strikes but subsequently expressed reservations, questioning whether the actions breached international law—a perceived contradiction that has fueled political debate. This policy ambivalence appears to reflect a divided public. A newly released Angus Reid poll indicates a sharp split among Canadians, with 48% voicing opposition to greater Canadian involvement or the government's current posture, compared to 35% who remain supportive. Adding to the scrutiny, prominent voices, including former Liberal Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy and current Liberal MP Will Greaves, have publicly criticized Carney's evolving stance as contradictory and lacking clarity. Upcoming Parliamentary Sho…