Hours after defeating Stephen Harper, Canadian Prime Minister Elect Justin Trudeau telephoned U.S. President Barack Obama and informed him of his intentions to withdraw Canadian fighter jets from a U.S.-led coalition that's battling ISIL in Syria and Iraq, reported the BBC.
After almost a decade of Harper's conservative premiership, Trudeau was elected in a dramatic victory that saw the Liberals win by a huge margin.
During his campaign, Trudeau repeatedly promised voters that once elected, his first major job would be to end Canadian military operations in the Middle East. However, he has yet to give a time frame for the withdrawal of the jets from the Syrian and Iraqi skies.
The Associated Press quoted Trudeau as saying that despite the decision to actively disengage from the coalition bombing ISIS, Canada would still remain a robust member of the coalition against the terrorist organization, according to the Telegraph.
"About an hour ago, I spoke with President Obama," said Trudeau during a press conference, who added that he made to clear to Obama "the commitments I have made around ending the combat mission."
Besides the fighter jets, Canada also sent about 70 special forces to Northern Iraq to train the Kurds.
While reacting to the policy shift, U.S. officials appeared to put on a brave face, according to Sputnik News. State Department Spokesperson John Kirby suggested that America would respect the decisions made by Canada and its leaders.
"These are all decisions the Canadian people have to make and Canadian legislators have to make... and their Prime Minister [has to make]," Kirby told reporters. "We have stood shoulder to shoulder with Canadian armed forces... in Iraq and Afghanistan."
The new liberal administration in Canada is expected to greatly reduce foreign military adventures, while giving priority to humanitarian assistance abroad. Canada has been blamed in the past for doing too title in the wake of the Syrian crisis.
