CANADA MUST IMMEDIATELY WITHDRAW FROM AFGHANISTAN: NDP
Liberal flip-flop another sign of weak leadership
OTTAWA - Today, NDP Leader Jack Layton blasted Stephane Dion and the Liberals for endorsing the Harper Conservative strategy to stay in Southern Afghanistan two more years.
"This is a flip-flop for Liberals who opposed the extension last year, including Stephane Dion. The Liberals brought us into this combat mission war and now they want to keep in it for two more years," said Layton. "That is unacceptable."
The NDP is demanding an immediate safe and secure withdraw of all Canadian combat troops from the Southern Afghanistan region.
"The NDP fully supports the brave women and men of the Canadian Forces and the important work they are doing," said Layton. "The best way to show that support is to make sure they have a clear mission that corresponds with Canadian values, that Canadians understand and support."
Dawn Black (New Westminster-Coquitlam) the NDP Defence critic says Canadians need more information and clarity on what the mission is about and why the troops are there.
"We take our responsibility as Parliamentarians very seriously when we put young women and men in harm's way. The question for the Liberals is simple: If the mission is wrong, why are they asking our brave men and women to participate in it two more years," asked Black.
Layton also said that Canada must help the people of Afghanistan with reconstruction, redevelopment and aid - not combat troops.
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