Canada readied naval deployment for Iraq if UN authorized action, documents reveal

Cabinet minutes dated 25 February 2003 detail discussions about Canada’s potential military role in a U.S.-led Iraq invasion if the UN Security Council approved it. While ground troops were ruled out due to ongoing operations in Afghanistan, Defence Minister John McCallum said naval assets could be shifted from their Persian Gulf duties. Retired General Raymond Henault, who headed the defence staff at the time, said the armed forces were ready to contribute ships and special forces should Ottawa decide to join.

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien later announced Canada would not participate without a new UN resolution, a stance that received strong support in cabinet. The documents also capture a philosophical debate among ministers on the justification for war and concerns about the impact on Canadian families.