Canada Approves Airstrikes Against Islamic State in Iraq

Canada Approves Airstrikes Against Islamic State in Iraq

OTTAWA, Oct. 8 (UPI) — Canadian legislators, led by a Conservative majority, voted Tuesday to approve a combat role in Iraq, joining the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State.

The motion passed 157-134, giving Prime Minister Stephen Harper the authority to contribute Canadian CF-18s to airstrikes against the militant group also known as ISIS or ISIL.

Harper, leader of the Conservatives, defended the motion, saying that IS presented a clear threat to Canada.

Most members of the National Democratic Party (NDP) and the Liberal Party voted against the motion.

Opposition leader Tom Mulcair said Conservatives had been “evasive” about a plan for war.

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