Conservative leader condemns wavering stance as Israel confronts terror regime threatening democracies and global stability.
Canadian Member of Parliament Melissa Lantsman sharply criticized Prime Minister Mark Carney for retracting his earlier support for the US and Israeli military campaign against the Islamic Republic of Iran, arguing that Canada must stand firmly with democratic allies confronting one of the world’s most dangerous regimes.
Speaking in an interview, Lantsman, the co-deputy leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, pointed to Iran’s responsibility for the destruction of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 in January 2020. The passenger plane was shot down by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shortly after takeoff from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport, killing all 176 people on board, including 55 Canadian citizens.
Lantsman emphasized that the tragedy remains a powerful reminder of the threat posed by the Iranian regime and questioned why some voices in Canada appear hesitant to support strong action against Tehran. She said it was troubling to see political hesitation at a time when democratic nations must confront hostile regimes that endanger global stability.
The Conservative lawmaker said she was initially encouraged by Carney’s earlier comments suggesting support for removing Iran’s ruling leadership but expressed disappointment when the prime minister later moved away from that position. She suggested the shift may have been influenced by political pressure or internal debates within the Liberal Party.
Representing the Thornhill electoral district in Ontario, Lantsman stressed that the Conservative Party has maintained a consistent position since the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. She stated that Canada should stand with its allies in confronting terrorism and preventing regimes such as Iran from developing nuclear weapons capabilities that threaten democracies worldwide.
Echoing remarks previously made by Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, Lantsman said that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons would significantly strengthen international security and stability.
Carney, who replaced Justin Trudeau as Liberal Party leader and prime minister, has faced criticism over several comments regarding Israel. During an election campaign event in Calgary last year, he responded to a protester referencing the situation in Gaza by saying he was aware of the situation and pointing to Canada’s existing arms embargo policies.
He later clarified that he had not heard the specific accusation made by the protester and said he was responding generally to concerns raised by the crowd.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also criticized Carney’s remarks, stating that Canada has historically stood with democratic values and urging the Canadian leader to support Israel as it confronts terrorist threats and regional instability.
The controversy intensified after Carney announced that his government intends to recognize a Palestinian state. B’nai Brith Canada and a coalition of multicultural community leaders later warned that such a move could complicate diplomatic efforts in the region and risk pushing both sides further away from a negotiated two-state solution.
