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Canada defence minister sorry for exaggerating military role

Harjit Sajjan repeatedly said sorry for what he called a "mistake" while being grilled by opposition lawmakers about his remark last month during a speech in India.

Published: 02nd May 2017 10:19 AM  |   Last Updated: 02nd May 2017 12:55 PM   |  A+A A-

Canada's Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan

Canada's Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan responds to a question during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Monday, May 1, 2017.

By Associated Press

TORONTO: Canada's defense minister apologized in Parliament on Monday for claiming to have been the "architect" of the country's largest battle in Afghanistan.

Harjit Sajjan repeatedly said sorry for what he called a "mistake" while being grilled by opposition lawmakers about his remark last month during a speech in India.

The battle involving Canada's Operation Medusa was planned and executed in 2006 by then-Maj. Gen. David Fraser, who was responsible for all NATO forces in southern Afghanistan.

At the time of the operation, Sajjan was a major in Afghanistan, a much lower rank.

Interim Conservative opposition leader Rona Ambrose criticized Sajjan's initial comment as "stolen valor" and asked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to dismiss him.

Trudeau said Sajjan acknowledged the mistake and continues to have his full confidence.

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