Canadian Parliament Debates Fate of Troops in Bosnia

Strategic Insights -

MPs in the Canadian Parliament agonized over whether to extend the country's military commitment to the United Nations force in war-torn Bosnia, citing concerns over the mission's risks and benefits. The debate, which dragged on until midnight, saw lawmakers weighing the moral obligation to save lives against the danger of continued bloodshed. Foreign Affairs Minister Andre Ouellet acknowledged the government's uncertainty, stating that there are "no easy answers" but only tough questions to consider. The Canadian military is currently involved in a UN mission in Bosnia, with a deadline looming for a commitment renewal in April.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bloc Quebecois MP Osvaldo Nunez stressed the moral obligation to save lives in Bosnia, drawing parallels between the Balkans conflict and his own experiences fleeing Chile 17 years ago.
  • Reform MP Bob Mills questioned the cost in human lives of maintaining a high-risk UN mission, citing the fact that eight Canadian soldiers have already been killed in the conflict.
  • Foreign Affairs Minister Andre Ouellet highlighted the risk factor as an essential element in decision-making, stating that "the danger of the operation outweighs the benefits" for Canadian troops.
  • Prime Minister Jean Chretien promised that MPs' views would be taken into account when deciding whether to renew the Canadian commitment to the UN mission.
  • Bloc Quebecois Leader Lucien Bouchard argued that Canada should maintain its commitment to the UN mission, lest it precipitate "all-out war and all-out ethnic cleansing" in Bosnia.
  • Reform MP Jack Frazer suggested issuing an ultimatum to the factions in Bosnia, threatening to withdraw UN forces if ceasefire lines are not respected.
  • Defence Minister David Collenette countered a public opinion poll suggesting that many Canadians want the troops brought home, citing support for UN peacekeeping operations.

Statistics:

  • 1,900 Canadian officers and soldiers are currently involved in the UN mission in the former Yugoslavia.
  • Canada, France, and Britain have signed on to the UN mission until April.
  • About 57% of respondents to a public opinion poll by the Angus Reid Group support withdrawing Canadian troops from Bosnia if fighting continues.
  • However, about 56% of respondents would renew Canadian commitment to the UN mission in Bosnia if a ceasefire is established.
  • Eight Canadian soldiers have been killed in the conflict since the deployment in 1992.

Sources:

  • Janko Peric, Liberal MP, citing a reported encounter between a Canadian soldier and a child walking barefoot in the snow.
  • Roseanne Skoke, Liberal MP, commenting on her grandparents' Croatian heritage and the need to prioritize refugees over military intervention.
  • Jane Stewart, Liberal MP, quoting a poem written by Corporal Ron Hefferman in honour of the eight Canadians who have died in the conflict.
  • Angus Reid Group, cited in the report of Defence Minister David Collenette's comments on public opinion polls.