Canada ‘kind of in the dark’ on Middle East conflict, says former Liberal MP McKay

Amid the roiling conflict in the Middle East, Canada’s influence is largely limited to de-escalation and aiding Canadians in the region.

If Canada had an embassy in Iran, there would be formal channels of communication, said former Liberal MP John McKay. Global Affairs Canada said as of June 24, 600 Canadians, permanent residents, and family members have left Israel, Iran, and the West Bank.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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BY MARLO GLASS

June 25, 2025

With no formal diplomatic ties to Iran and no embassy in the country, Canada is “kind of in the dark” regarding the escalating conflict in the Middle East, says a former Liberal MP who chaired parliamentary committees on defence, public safety, and national security.

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