Conservatives urge government to rethink halt to ISIS airstrikes

On the heels of the deadly attacks in Paris, interim Conservative leaderRonaAmbrose has called on the Liberal government to "immediately" reverse itsdecision topullfighter jets from the U.S.-ledbombing mission against ISIS in Iraq.

ISIS has claimed responsibility for Friday night'sattacks, which killed at least 129 people in and around Paris and injured hundreds more.

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"The fight against ISIS requires a strong humanitarian response, but also amilitary response,"Ambrose told reportersSaturday. "It's important that we remain resolute and support our allies."

Ambrose said PrimeMinisterJustinTrudeauwill have the full support of the Official Opposition if he chooses toreverse his position on Canada's role in theairstrikes.

Stphane Dion reacts to Paris attacks

9 years ago

Duration 4:53

'Immense sadness but also absolute resolution to fight what the president of France rightly called an act of war,' Canada's foreign affairs minister says

Earlier on Saturday,Foreign Affairs MinisterStphaneDionsaidCanada will respondwith "absolute resolution" in the fight against theIslamic State of Iraq and Syria after the group claimed responsibility for the attacks.

"The reaction is a reaction of immense sadness, but also absolute resolution to fight what the president of France rightlycalled an act of war,"Dionsaid Saturday, speaking from Toronto's Pearson International Airport before boarding a plane to an economic summit in the Philippines.

French PresidentFranoisHollandehasdeclared a national emergency and three days of national mourning, and has vowed to be "merciless" with the country's foes following what he called unprecedented terrorist attacks.

Speaking to the French nation Saturday,Hollandesaid the attacks were "committed by a terrorist army, the Islamic State group, ajihadistarmy, against France, against the values that we defend everywhere in the world, against what we are: A free country that means something to the whole planet."

The statement said the attackers were "targeting the capital of prostitution and obscenity."

'Heroic efforts'

Dion, whose is also aFrench citizen through his mother,praised the "heroic efforts" of the CanadianEmbassy in France in the wake of the attacks. The embassy hasestablished a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week emergency response centre that "can be reached at any time," Dion said.

French authorities have also set up a crisis linefor people affected by the tragedy, including Canadian citizens in Paris,the minister added.

"Weare deploying everything to protect our citizens and to be in close support with the French authorities," Dion said.

On Friday night, Prime Minister JustinTrudeau expressed solidarity with Canada's "French cousins" and saidCanada has offered all possible assistanceto the government ofFrance in the wake of the fatal attacks.

Trudeauhas vowed to pull out Canada's fighter jets from the U.S.-ledbombing mission against ISIS in Iraq, and said Friday it was "too soon to jump to any conclusions" about what effect the attacks would have onthat stance.

Dionechoed those sentiments Saturday morning.

"We think Canada may be more optimally helping the coaltiion in reallocating our efforts in training, in support of many kinds to the local fighters[and] local police, humanitarian help,"Dionsaid.

"This is the aim of what we are doing. It's not to withdraw. Tothe contrary: It's to be more effective."

Canada must fight 'scourge' that is ISIS

An official with the prime minister's office, speaking on background on the condition of anonymity, said the government remains committed to its platform, pointing to acommitment to refocus on training local forces and providing humanitarian aid.

"Canada has a role to play against the international fight against the scourge that is [ISIS]. That role must serve our national interests and constitute the most effective use of our resources," the official said, adding that the change would be made in a responsible manner.

The official also said that the government believes it can maintain its target of safely and responsiblybringing in more Syrian refugees.

Saskatchewan, Quebec premiers call for action

The premiers of Saskatchewan and Quebec are also calling for thefederal government to take vigorous action against terrorism andboth support continuing the combat mission.

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall issued a statement Saturday saying he was "saddened and angered by the brutal attacks on the people of Paris."

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"Yesterday's attack was a deadly reminder that there are people in the world who do not share our values and who will stop at nothing in their attempts to impose their twisted, evil ideology through violence, destruction and death," said Wall.

"They must be defeated. There truly is no other option."

Quebec Premier Philippie Couillardcriticized what he described as the "failure of the unilateral approach in trying to solve the Iraq-Syria question," and re-affirmed his position that the world should work together to fightISIS.

"We have to be part of aninternationalcoalition, aninternationalmovement and play the role that ourpartnerswant us to play," said Couillard, who in 2014supported former Prime Minister Stephen Harper's decision to join the combat mission against ISIS.

"I'msure mostCanadianswill agree with this," Couillard said.