ICC President, Dr. Arezou Khadir has sent the following letter to ask for clarification on Honorable Federal Defence Minister Bill Blair statement:
Subject: Seeking Clarification on Honorable Federal Defence Minister Bill Blair Statement
There have been media reports that Honorable Federal Defence Minister Bill Blair recently stated that Canada would consider an Israeli attack against Iran's energy infrastructure as an "appropriate" action [1]. This has been interpreted to be out of step with Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, who said last week that an escalation of the hostilities between Israel and Iran could plunge the Middle East into “all-out war.” [2]
Canada has historically been a force for peace and diplomacy and has discouraged violations of international law. Mr. Blair’s new statement, which deviates from the norm, is even contrary to U.S. President Joe Biden’s discouragement of such actions by Israel and his suggestions that Israel should consider alternative ways to retaliate against Iran [3]. Such remarks also contradict Prime Minister Trudeau's strategic approach, which suggests that Israel should avoid a wider war [4].
Whereas UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres informed an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, "The sickening cycle of escalation after escalation that is leading the people of the Middle East straight over the cliff" has to stop, such a statement by Minister Blair, which contradicts the consensus of the international community on de-escalation, is very concerning.
Iranian Canadians expect a clarification regarding Minister Bill Blair’s new statement, which he has made despite previously stating to the media that Canada would not support attacks against oil refineries and energy facilities [5]. Considering that energy infrastructure is civilian, is it the new Canadian position that attacking Civilian infrastructure is appropriate or is a proportional response?
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