Any ISIS combat role would go to a vote: Baird

• Any expansion of Canada’s role in the war against the Islamic State in Iraq and Al-Sham that would involve direct combat such as airstrikes would be brought to Parliament for a vote, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said Thursday.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper revealed Wednesday that the United States recently asked that Canada expand its role in Iraq. Neither country has revealed the nature of the request or whether it includes participation in airstrikes.

“If there was a combat mission I think the prime minister has been very clear, it would go before Parliament for a vote,” Mr. Baird told reporters. “That has not changed. I think airstrikes would be [a combat mission].”

Mr. Baird said, however, that cabinet has yet to consider the U.S. request.

“We just got a request from the U.S., which the PM outlined and we’ll obviously look at it, reflect on it and then make a decision,” he said. “I think we have already done a substantial amount in terms of the logistical support in the airlifts bringing munitions from other countries, the financial support for non-lethal military aid for going after foreign fighters and then finally the humanitarian aid and commitment with respect to training. We’ll take it one step at a time.”

Canada has 69 soldiers in Iraq on training missions in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq. Canada has also airlifted munitions from thirdparty countries and has given humanitarian aid.

France has already flown airstrikes against ISIS, while Australia has also agreed to participate. Prime Minister David Cameron is to ask the U.K. parliament Friday to commit the Royal Air Force. It is widely believed that the U.S. has asked Canada to do the same.