Defence minister notes Canadian troops' sacrifices after Trump downplayed role

Defence Minister David McGuinty said Canada will not forget the sacrifices of its service members in Afghanistan, noting more than 150 Canadian deaths, and he declined to say whether U.S. President Donald Trump should apologize after remarks that downplayed allied contributions.

Defence Minister David McGuinty made a statement on Parliament Hill stressing the sacrifices of Canadian forces who served in Afghanistan. He noted that Canada joined U.S. and NATO operations at the outset and recalled that more than 150 Canadian service members died during the mission. McGuinty did not directly name U.S. President Donald Trump in his remarks and did not answer when asked whether Trump should apologize. The statement followed recent comments by Trump that questioned the contribution of some NATO partners in Afghanistan. Key points: - McGuinty said Canadian service members are highly committed and recalled the more than 150 Canadian deaths in Afghanistan. - He referenced Canada's response after the Sept. 11 attacks, including Operation Yellow Ribbon and Canadian responders who assisted in New York. - McGuinty declined to say whether President Trump should apologize for remarks that downplayed allied contributions. - Other Canadian ministers and MPs spoke in support of the Armed Forces, with Culture Minister Marc Miller, a former reservist, calling Canadians' sacrifices significant and saying he viewed Trump's comments as false. - The article notes British Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticised Trump's remarks, and that Trump later posted praise for U.K. soldiers without mentioning other allies. Summary: The defence minister reiterated recognition of Canadian service and sacrifice in Afghanistan while avoiding a direct call for an apology from President Trump. Undetermined at this time.