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ISIS vote divides the House, with political and military fortunes at stake

Canada's involvement in the fight against ISIS could burnish the legacy of the Harper government or leave it mired in a labyrinth of conflict. The major opposition parties are against this mission, a strategy that could signal their own political wisdom or miscalculation. Today, we're asking about the political consequences for all of them....
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The Current22:00Support or oppose the ISIS combat mission vote, all parties face political risks - Oct 7, 2014
Canada's involvement in the fight against ISIS could burnish the legacy of the Harper government or leave it mired in a labyrinth of conflict. The major opposition parties are against this mission, a strategy that could signal their own political wisdom or miscalculation. Today, we're asking about the political consequences for all of them.

Harper-ISIS-Baird-insert.jpg

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird, centre, and Iraqi Deputy Minister Rowsch Nouri Sharways look at the ISIS positions from a front line bunker in Kalak, Iraq. (CP/Ryan Remiorz)

I believe the fight against terrorism is the struggle that will define our generation. We will be judged in future by whether we took on this fight or ducked it. John Baird, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister

Many Canadians have tough questions over Canada's role in the fight against ISIS and will closely watch today's vote on the Prime Minister's motion to send six fighter jets and 600 troops to carry out air strikes against Islamic militants in Iraq. The motion is expected to pass even though the Opposition plans to vote against it.

Recent polls indicate a majority of Canadians back Stephen Harper's plan. But support can change a lot between now and election time.


To talk about what kind of gamble the parties are taking with their support or opposition to the fight, we were joined by:

  • Terry Milewski is Senior Correspondent for CBC News.

  • George Petrolekas is a retired Canadian Forces colonel and also served as Strategic Advisor to Canada's Chief of Defence Staff.

  • Eric Grenier is the founder of ThreeHundredEight.com, a website dedicated to political polling in Canada and electoral forecasts. He also serves as a poll analyst for CBC News.

We'd like to know your thoughts on Canada taking a role in the struggle against ISIS -- and let us know what factors have swayed your opinion.

Tweet us @thecurrentcbc. Or e-mail us through our website. Find us on Facebook. Call us toll-free at 1 877 287 7366. And as always if you missed anything on The Current, grab a podcast.

This segment was produced by The Current's Idella Sturino, Elizabeth Hoath and Marc Apollinio.

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