Sunday March 8, 2026 | OTTAWA, ON
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Today Prime Minister Mark Carney convened the Incident Response Group (IRG) with ministers and senior officials to discuss the ongoing hostilities in Iran and the Middle East and continued vigilance to ensure the safety and security of all Canadians.
That information was provided in a readout this evening, Sunday March 8, around 9:40 ET from Ottawa (6:40 pm PT).
“Canada was not consulted, did not participate, and has no plans to participate in the offensive actions against Iran that are being undertaken by the US and Israel,” the prime minister’s readout stated.
That’s a similar message as to what he told media during at least one press conference while on his trade mission to India, Australia and Japan (from which he only returned within the last 24 hours).
“The initial conflict has spread widely as a result of attacks by Iran and its proxies on other countries across the broader Middle East,” said Carney’s readout.
“Canada continues to support efforts to de-escalate the situation, and to call for an immediate end to attacks on civilian infrastructure – in line with international law,” said Carney’s readout this evening.
Debate in the House of Commons:
Government House Leader and Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon says in a post in X this evening that the Liberal government has proposed to Opposition parties in the House of Commons that a debate be held on hostilities in Iran and the impact for Canadians abroad.
That would happen tomorrow evening, Monday March 9.
The debate idea comes amidst some Liberal caucus members last week (including Victoria MP Will Greaves) expressing concerns about Carney’s initial straightforward support for the US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28 (in the context of Iran being a long-time challenge to democracy and human rights).
A chat with Trump:
Earlier today, Carney had a phone call with US President Donald Trump.
A readout simply states that they held a conversation this afternoon on a range of issues including the economy, developments in the Middle East, and trade relations between the two countries. They agreed to remain in close contact.
Protecting Canadians, working with partners:
The IRG meeting is said to have focused on “efforts to protect Canadians in the region and work with partners to de-escalate the conflict”.
- Canada is continuing to facilitate travel for Canadians who wish to depart the Middle East, including the 5,200 Canadians who have requested assistance.
- The Government of Canada is arranging bookings of seats for Canadians to leave Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates, buses leaving Qatar and Israel to bring Canadians to safer destinations, and providing surge support near the Iranian border crossing to assist Canadians with visa requirements and arranging onward travel.
- The IRG discussed additional efforts to ensure that Canadians who wish to leave can do so safely and swiftly. Canada will take all possible measures to protect Canadians abroad, including those serving in diplomatic missions.
The IRG agreed that partners in the region must have their security and sovereignty protected.
Updates on the region:
During the IRG meeting, the Prime Minister provided updates from his recent discussions with leaders in the region and the G7.
Safety at home:
The IRG reviewed potential changes to the threat landscape in Canada and underlined the importance of continued vigilance to enhance domestic security.
===== RELATED:
- Carney’s trade mission in Australia: speeches & gains (March 4, 2026)
- Victoria MP Greaves advocates for ‘principled Canadian approach’ on Iran (March 1, 2026)
- Prime Minister Carney: “Canada thrives because we are Canadian” (January 22, 2026)
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