Article content

A Canadian CF-18 pilot who, from several kilometres up in the sky, presses a button to release a bomb against Islamic extremist forces in northern Iraq, is engaged in combat, according to the federal government.

But a Canadian special forces soldier, on the ground within visual range of the extremist gunmen, and using a laser device to direct the CF-18-launched bomb to its target, is not.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Government's definition of 'combat' comes under fire Back to video

That’s the argument that the Conservative government and military are making to Canadians.

Revelations this week that Canadian commandos have been on the front lines directing bombing attacks against troops from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) have led the government to provide what appears to be a narrow definition of combat for Canadians.

A combat role, according to Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s office and military leaders, happens only when Canadian troops advance and directly seek to attack the enemy.