Prime Minister Carney Convenes Incident Response Group on Middle East Conflict

Carney Incident Response Group Meeting Focuses on Safety of Canadians Abroad

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney convened Canada’s Incident Response Group (IRG) on March 8 to assess the rapidly evolving conflict involving Iran and the broader Middle East, with ministers and senior officials reviewing security risks and measures to protect Canadians in the region.

According to information released by the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting focused on the escalating hostilities involving Iran and its regional proxies and the impact on international stability and Canadian citizens abroad.

Carney emphasized that Canada was not consulted and did not participate in offensive actions against Iran undertaken by the United States and Israel, and that Canada currently has no plans to take part in those operations.

Protecting Canadians in the Region

A central focus of the IRG meeting was the safety of Canadians in the Middle East and the government’s ongoing evacuation efforts.

Officials reported that approximately 5,200 Canadians have requested assistance to leave the region. The federal government is coordinating multiple travel options to help citizens depart safely.

Current measures include arranging airline seats for Canadians leaving Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates, organizing buses departing Qatar and Israel to transport Canadians to safer locations, and deploying additional support near border crossings close to Iran to assist travellers with visas and onward travel arrangements.

The government stated that it will continue working with international partners to facilitate safe departures for Canadians and to ensure that those wishing to leave the region can do so as quickly as possible.

Today, I convened the Incident Response Group to discuss the ongoing hostilities in Iran and the Middle East, and continued vigilance to ensure the safety and security of all Canadians. Our meeting focused on efforts to protect Canadians in the region and work with partners to…

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) March 9, 2026

Monitoring Domestic Security Risks

In addition to evacuation planning, the IRG reviewed possible implications for Canada’s domestic security environment.

Officials examined potential changes to the threat landscape within Canada and emphasized the need for continued vigilance by security agencies and government institutions.

The meeting also addressed safety considerations for Canadians working abroad, including staff at Canadian diplomatic missions across the Middle East.

Diplomatic Efforts to De-Escalate Conflict

Carney briefed ministers and officials on recent discussions with international partners and leaders from the G7, outlining ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions.

Canada continues to support international calls to de-escalate the conflict and end attacks on civilian infrastructure, in accordance with international law.

Officials also reiterated Canada’s position that regional partners must have their sovereignty and security respected as diplomatic efforts continue.

The Incident Response Group is a senior federal coordination body that meets during international crises or major emergencies to guide Canada’s response and ensure government agencies are aligned in protecting Canadian interests.