For those who will be watching and/or listening to the House of Commons six hour debate today about the Conservative party's motion to extend Canada's mission in Afghanistan two years beyond February 2007, as I will be off and on throughout the day, you're welcome to use this thread to pop in and comment about what you're hearing.The debate is being carried live online at CPAC and will be followed by a vote this evening.
This is a partial text of the motion:
“that this House support the government's two-year extension of Canada's diplomatic, development, civilian police and military personnel in Afghanistan and the provision of funding and equipment for this extension.”
The full text can be found here.
UPDATE: Via CBC
Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he would extend Canada's mission to Afghanistan by only one year if the House votes against a motion to extend it by two years.
He also raised the prospect of going to the polls over the issue.
Leading off the parliamentary debate, Harper said if the motion does not pass, he will proceed "cautiously' with a one-year extension.
But the prime minister said if he still can't get support, he will "go to the Canadian people to get that mandate."
That was a quick flip-flop. Take it to the people, Harper. I dare you.
Related News: Canada Lost a Female Soldier in Afghanistan on Wednesday
A female Canadian soldier was killed while fighting Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan on Wednesday, said military officials.
Capt. Nichola Goddard had been serving in Afghanistan with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Before that, she was stationed with the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in Shilo, Man. Her age and hometown were not immediately known.
A very somber reminder of the seriousness of today's debate and the respect these soldiers deserve when the fate of their lives is in the hands of a Conservative government that wants to expose more troops to a longer term in harm's way without probably analyzing the situation.
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