Ottawa, ON — James Bezan, Shadow Minister for National Defence, released a statement following reports that four peacekeepers have been killed in Mali in the last two weeks.
“Justin Trudeau has failed to be honest with Canadians about the risks associated with deploying our troops into an active warzone, widely considered to be the most dangerous UN mission in the world. Unfortunately, the Prime Minister would rather discuss the safety and security of Canadian troops in France than answer questions in the House of Commons.
“Over the past two weeks, four UN peacekeepers in Mali were killed due to direct attacks on UN bases by terrorist groups. The most recent attack on Saturday took the life of one peacekeeper and left ten French soldiers wounded. These continued targeted attacks by terrorists prove that Mali is a warzone and there is no peace to keep.
“Since announcing the peacekeeping mission to Mali last month, the Trudeau government has yet to provide any information to Canadians about how many Canadian troops will be deployed, when they will be sent, who will be in command, the types of risks associated with the mission and what the rules of engagement are. Moreover, it is unclear whether Canada will be engaged in a peacekeeping mission, counter-terrorism operation, or both.
“Justin Trudeau must be honest with Canadians about the situation in Mali, and the role our troops will play. Andrew Scheer’s Conservatives will continue to ask for a full debate and vote in the House of Commons before the Trudeau government deploys our brave men and women to fight in Mali.”
