OTTAWA

Canada won't be participating in any military intervention in Syria but supports the countries who are now considering launching an attack against the country, the prime minister said Thursday.

"In the face of what appears to be escalation ... without acting in the use of chemical weapons is an extremely dangerous risk," he told reporters.

Harper's comments come a day after Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird told reporters Canada's role would likely be limited to a supporting one and that the government would also lend political support to any military strikes.

That political support is important, given the UN Security Council's inability to reach consensus. Russia and China's continued support for Bashar Al Assad puts in doubt a UN-sanctioned attack.

Baird said Wednesday that while an attack using drones and cruise missiles was being considered, Canada has neither.

He also said any attack would be swift and highly targeted.

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair said Wednesday that before the government decides on any action to be taken in Syria, all MPs need to be recalled to the House of Commons to debate the specifics of what Canada's role should be.

"Prime Minister Harper should be bringing this debate to Parliament, not discussing it with himself at a press conference," Mulcair said.

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau echoed those sentiments.

Fen Hampson, professor at the Norman Patterson School of International Affairs, said Harper's position is in line with public opinion.

After Canada's involvement in Afghanistan, many Canadians are left scratching their heads, wondering whether it was worth it, Hampson said.

What's being considered for Syria is "nothing like the military action in Libya or Baghdad," but rather, "more about sending a warning shot across the bow."

"You want to accompany military action with a clear political message," he said. "And the strong message here is 'no more chemical weapons,' that's it."

Hampson acknowledged the precariousness of the situation.

"There is always the risk of escalation and perhaps in retaliation we could see Assad try to escalate the conflict further," he said. "But if he responds, the last thing Assad wants is to invite a Western response that would tip the military scales."