OTTAWA, April 8: Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s minority government has finally decided to allow a debate in parliament on Canada’s role in Afghanistan. Official sources said in Ottawa on Saturday that Mr Harper had shown willingness to allow all members of parliament to express their opinion on the issue.
However, it will be a ‘take-note debate and the MPs will not be allowed to vote on the issue.
A television network the debate would take place on Monday.
Prime Minister Harper had earlier rejected calls for a debate, arguing it would show a lack of resolve and could even put troops in danger.
Jack Layton, a senior parliamentarian and chief of the left-leaning New Democratic Party, welcomed the decision.
Canada’s more dangerous new role in Kandahar and the military’s policy on detainees captured by Canadian troops need a full public airing, he said.
