can we believe the tories? ?????

Tories deny plan to extend mission in Afghanistan
January 29, 2007 CBC

Opposition critics are accusing the Conservative government of wanting to extend Canada's military operations in Afghanistan, but the Tories say they have no such plans.

The opposition members of Parliament were reacting Monday to a document released a day earlier that outlines Canada's goals in Afghanistan.

The document — written by military leader Gen. Rick Hillier and obtained by CBC News under the Access to Information Act — says the military's job won't be complete until Afghan security forces have full control of their country.

Military analysts have since said this plan cannot be achieved in the existing military timeframe, which calls for the removal of Canadian troops by 2009.

NDP defence critic Dawn Black says the document is evidence that the government has plans to extend troops' deployment.

"Clearly this government is preparing the military for a long war," she said during question period in Ottawa. "And that's not what Canadians have been told."

Opposition MPs say the document suggests that Canadian troops could be in Afghanistan for several years, with withdrawal coming as late as 2011.

But Conservative government said this is not the case.

"Our military has basically built a campaign plan to go on, but right now, they are limited until the end of February 2009," Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor said.

He said the government won't consider an extension for at least a year.

But Denis Coderre, the Liberal defence critic, said if the government is sticking to the 2009 plan, it should have specified as much in its documented plans.

"Now, if you're supposed to leave by 2009, why don't you say that in your plan?" he asked