Hermes RiveraThe current crisis in the Middle East is often framed solely through the lens of Iranian aggression. This narrative ignores the United States (U.S.)-labelled match that lit the fire. Iran’s strikes on civilian infrastructure are indeed a “dangerous threat to regional stability,” which Canada condemns. However, we must be clear about the origins of the hostilities beginning a war: the U.S.. On February 28, the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran with twice the firepower that was unleashed on Iraq in 2003. Since then, we’ve seen the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as well as thousands of Iranian civilians. Even though Canada is facing many of the U.S.’s consequences, we cannot forget about the lives being lost.
In less than 48 hours, Lebanon’s Hezbollah entered the war by firing rockets at Israel. This quickly escalated, though. It resulted in the death of more than 1,530 people in Lebanon, with more than 1.2 million displaced. Meanwhile, in northern Israel, civilian deaths amount to more than 100, with around 63,000 residents displaced. The war spread with attacks on the Gulf countries, bombing energy facilities, as well as U.S. military personnel and bases. The biggest global worry was the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil trade. About one-fifth of the world’s oil goes through this strait. With the blockade, there is a direct threat to the global oil supply.
Countries in Asia, such as Pakistan and South Korea, are already dealing with local energy shortages and imposing regulations. Pakistan has started to close schools and shift online to save on fuel. South Korea is imposing a fuel price cap for the first time in 30 years, as it looks for alternative energy sources. Life as we know it will come to a halt once the local stockpiles inevitably run out. Without energy, the modern world isn’t able to keep going.
It’s clear a lot is happening in the Middle East right now. There have been indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, but are still ongoing through international mediators. The ceasefire, though, is fragile. Both sides continue to accuse each other of violations. The Strait of Hormuz also remains heavily restricted. That disruption continues to affect global trade and oil markets. Still, the greatest cost is human life. Thousands of civilians have been killed. Families have been displaced. Futures have been destroyed. It’s easy to view the war through headlines and statistics. It is harder to face the grief left behind once the headlines disappear. With negotiations still underway, there is no clear end to the conflict. According to Trump, the ceasefire is looking bleak. Both Iran and the U.S. are going in circles with their demands.
With all this, where is Canada? Are we involved, or should we be involved? The Canadian government’s response has been disappointingly tethered to Washington. Prime Minister Mark Carney has been criticized for “choosing his words carefully” to avoid “antagonizing the White House,” even as the U.S. presidency uses increasingly inflammatory language. Canada, though, has imposed extensive sanctions on 227 Iranian individuals and 260 entities. As well, Carney’s initial support for the war’s objectives has left many Canadians feeling uneasy. There is a “fundamental distinction” between our stated values and the humanitarian reality on the ground.
Canada currently finds itself on the sidelines of negotiations. There is limited visibility into the talks between the U.S. and Iran. So, by no means is Canada at the centre of these decisions being made. Instead of leading, we are reacting by imposing sanctions and deploying “surge consular support.” This is all happening while our domestic priorities sit on the back burner.
I can’t agree with a stance that subordinates Canadian interests to a conflict fueled by the whims of the U.S.. Our tax dollars should not be used to manage the fallout of a war we did not start and cannot control. Instead, Canada must prioritize internal security and the crushing affordability crisis. Carney acknowledged that Canada can “no longer depend on any one nation” for its security. He is proposing a $40 billion plan to defend the Arctic. This is exactly where our focus should be. Investing in Forward Operating Locations (FOLs) in the North and Mackenzie Valley Highway builds a “true north, strong and free.” Canada should be resilient to global shocks. We should not be merely spectators to them at this time.
The impact of this war on Canada’s future is a legitimate concern, primarily because of our economic vulnerability to the U.S.-driven instability. Canadians are suffering from “skyrocketing” fuel prices despite our status as a major oil producer. Since Canada is so tied to the global oil market, it is very easily destabilized. The conflicts in the Middle East are more than enough to disrupt this market. The government has attempted to “cushion the blow” with a temporary 10-cent-per-litre cut to the federal Fuel Excise Tax and the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, but these are mere band-aids on a systemic wound.
To truly protect our citizens from “global economic shocks,” Canada must stop following the U.S. into international conflicts. We need to focus on becoming a self-reliant “energy superpower.” Only by detaching ourselves from these external wars can we secure the affordability and sovereignty that Canadians deserve.
