Federal government joining with allies to protect civilians

Wild Rose Report: A column by MP Blake Richards

From the deployment of CF-18 fighter jets to the imposition of economic sanctions, Canada has taken strong action from the start of the crisis in Libya to protect that country’s citizens from the bloodshed being perpetrated by the Gadhafi regime.

And now, following a debate and a vote in the House of Commons, Canada has extended its deployment in Libya in order to see through our commitment to stop Gadhafi’s offensive against his own people.

This is the right course of action. In Libya, the regime’s indiscriminate attacks on innocent civilians are an unfolding human tragedy, which Canada cannot tolerate.

As a freedom-loving people, Canadians have a sense of duty to assist those who are at risk from their own government simply for seeking the same rule of law, human rights and democracy that we already enjoy.

By extending our deployment to Libya by three-and-a-half months, we are joining our allies within NATO who have done likewise, and we are upholding the resolution of the United Nations Security Council to protect Libyan citizens from the threat of further slaughter.

Our mission to protect civilians extends beyond our military forces.

Our government has also boosted humanitarian assistance to support the International Red Cross efforts in the region, including funding specifically to assist the victims of the vile campaign of sexual violence against women and girls being carried out by Gadhafi’s forces.

In addition, our government has recognized the National Transition Council of Libya – the forces resisting Gadhafi within the country – as the legitimate representative of the Libyan people.

Canada will engage the NTC and offer diplomatic aid and expertise on governance.

Our government is committed to standing for what is right on the world stage, including through our missions in Afghanistan and Libya.