Minister of National Defence Bill Blair delivers remarks at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Leitrim in Ottawa, on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. Speaking on Wednesday Oct. 2, 2024, a day after Iran launched a missile attack on Israel, said that Canada has been able to effectively manage the number of people who want to leave Lebanon now, using seats purchased on commercial aircraft.Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press
The federal government is prepared to use military aircraft as part of an intensified effort to evacuate Canadians from Lebanon if the situation in the embattled country and region gets worse, says Defence Minister Bill Blair.
Bill Blair, speaking a day after Iran launched a missile attack on Israel, said Wednesday that Canada has been able to effectively manage the number of people who want to leave Lebanon now, using seats purchased on commercial aircraft.
”But as the situation deteriorates, we are prepared with a scalable response that has – that includes many options, including the possibility of using military aircraft,” Mr. Blair told journalists ahead of the weekly Liberal caucus meeting on Parliament Hill.
Global airlines divert, cancel flights as they grapple with escalating Middle East tensions
“It is a further destabilizing action by this terrorist regime in — in the region, putting civilians at risk and running the risk of a wider war.”
Iran attacked hours after Israel began what it says is a limited military operation in southern Lebanon, aimed at uprooting the Iranian-backed Hezbollah.
“Obviously, Israel has the right to defend itself against these attacks.” Mr. Trudeau said, speaking before the federal Liberal caucus meeting.
“At the same time, we have to try and do everything we can to avoid a wider war, to protect civilians and to get humanitarian aid into affected regions.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is condemning Iran’s missile attack on Israel, while saying the international community must do everything it can to avoid a greater regional war. The federal government says Canada is still hopeful for a ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
The Canadian Press
Mr. Trudeau said the international community is calling for a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel as well as a ceasefire in Gaza, and a renewed effort to develop a two-state solution.
He did not take media questions.
G7 leaders say diplomatic solution still viable as Middle East crisis escalates
In its own summary of the G7 leaders call, the White House said U.S. President Joe Biden and the G7 unequivocally condemned Iran’s attack against Israel.
“President Biden expressed the United States’ full solidarity and support to Israel and its people, and reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s security,” said the statement.
Meanwhile, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister again urged Canadians who are offered government-organized flights out of Lebanon to take the option if it’s presented.
The federal government has been organizing seats on commercial flights for Canadians looking for a way out of Lebanon.
Mélanie Joly said Wednesday that many seats are available to allow safe passage for hundreds of Canadians seeking an exit through Beirut airport.
“So my point to those watching or listening to us is, if you’re offered a seat, please take it,” Ms. Joly told journalists as she arrived for the caucus meeting.
“I know it’s difficult. I know it’s difficult to leave your loved ones. I understand it’s difficult to leave sometimes your home. But please, this is about your own safety and the safety of your loved ones, so please take the seat.”
Ms. Joly said representatives of her department made about a thousand calls to Canadians on Tuesday and has been able to get about 300 on flights, while also offering seats to Americans, Australians and New Zealanders.
Displaced by war, Lebanese families file into a Beirut hotel with no water, electricity or beds
The minister also said the number of diplomatic staff and staff with the federal immigration department have been increased at Canada’s embassy in Beirut to offer service to Canadians who want to leave.
She noted the definition of Canadians includes permanent residents, their spouses and children.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, in a broadcast interview on Wednesday, described the Iranian attack on Israel as “outrageous,” and called it a terrorist attack in the country.
“All of these attacks were targeted at civilians. None of them were pinpointing military targets,” he said.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said he is concerned about the challenges facing residents of Lebanon, Israel and Gaza because of the conflict.
Mr. Singh, on Parliament Hill, said Canada could have done more to address the conflict by enacting an arms embargo to send a message to Israel’s government, but has not done so.
“We’ll continue to apply pressure to make sure Canada is doing everything it can to prevent the escalation of violence,” he told journalists.
