Despite concerns that the conflict in Libya is turning into a stalemate, Canada is not looking to change the game by widening the scope of its attacks against pro-Gadhafi forces, according to Defence Minister Peter MacKay.
Speaking on CTV's Question Period, MacKay said Sunday that Canadian forces will not "go beyond the UN Security Council resolution" that approved limited military intervention in March.
He was responding to comments made by the head of Britain's armed forces, Gen. David Richards, that NATO must do more in Libya.
Richards told The Sunday Telegraph in London that NATO must widen the range of targets to prevent a stalemate in Libya. The situation needs "more intense military action," said Richards.
Citing a recent conversation with U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and other high-level officials, MacKay conceded there is "concern about (Libya) being a prolonged effort... but the reality is we are going to stay within the parameters of the Security Council resolution."
Nor is Canada about to send more aircraft, he added.
"What we are seeing... is in my view is a need of more ground support from the Arab League and other countries," said MacKay, speaking from his home riding in New Glasgow, N.S.
Canada has about 11 aircraft in the region right now -- including CF-18s, Aurora patrol planes and Polaris transports -- and some 500 military personnel. The frigate HMCS Charlottetown is among the NATO ships patrolling the Mediterranean.
The aircrews are currently rotating, with personnel from CFB Cold Lake and CFB Greenwood taking over for those from CFB Bagotville, MacKay noted.
HMCS Charlottetown made headlines last week when it was involved in a firefight with pro-Gadhafi gunboats, and again when eight of its crew were replaced for failing drug tests.
The frigate was with other allied vessels when a number of fast small boats launched an attack near the rebel-held city of Misrata.
The Charlottetown came under fire and responded with a short burst of machine-gun fire.
"There were no injuries and those boats turned away from their intended targets," MacKay said.
Libyan rebels on Sunday claimed to have taken full control of Misrata. The western port city has seen intense fighting between government and rebel forces, leaving some 1,000 dead.
With files from Canadian Press
