Canadian military personnel in Middle East out of harm’s way: McGuinty

By Canadian Press on March 2, 2026.

SYDNEY — Canada’s defense minister says Canadian military personnel in the Middle East are out of harm’s way.

David McGuinty did not answer when asked how many Canadian military personnel are in the region, saying only there are “some.”

McGuinty told reporters in Sydney, where he is on a visit with Prime Minister Mark Carney, that the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is a positive development.

Carney has endorsed the American and Israeli military strikes on Iran, but said that Canada would not get involved.

McGuinty says the Canadian Armed Forces weren’t involved in the preparation or execution of the attack.

He says the government “decided from the beginning” it would support the attack, but is also calling for a diplomatic end to the conflict.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 2, 2026.

Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press