The surprise twist in the case of Afghan prisoners caused by the statement of Chief of Staff of Defense has not shaken the conservative government, which continued to hammer that he had done nothing wrong.

But in light of revelations that the military has confirmed that at least one prisoner captured by Canadian soldiers had been tortured at the hands of Afghan authorities, the opposition has united to demand the resignation of Defense Minister, Peter MacKay on behalf of ministerial responsibility.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has not responded to the request of the opposition during Question Period in the Commons, repeating only that the Canadian military had acted properly, because when confronted with evidence of torture, the soldiers recovered and the inmate had cared.

Mr. MacKay did not flinch in the face relentless attacks of the three opposition leaders, adding that he had been informed of new information held by Lieutenant-General Walter Natynczyk Wednesday morning. The military has informed him that he would make public affairs, which was the “right thing” to do, the minister said.

These explanations have not satisfied the opposition, who heckled Mr. MacKay to several occasions when he rose in the House, telling him to resign.

And while the minister had promised to answer questions from the parliamentary committee on Afghanistan, which focuses on the fate of Afghan detainees for several weeks, conservatives have quickly called a vote in the Commons, and ordered the adjournment of the meeting The shortening of a good 30 minutes.

Mr. MacKay barely had time to read the first 10 minutes of his opening statement. He testified that the Canadian government had never been complicit in torture or violations of international law and that all Canadians deployed in Afghanistan are well aware of international laws on the subject.

Former Defense Minister Gordon O’Connor, for his part said he had no recollection of having been informed of any cases of abuse or torture of Canadian detainee transferred to the Afghans by the Canadian Forces.

MacKay Maintains His Position