Prime Minister Stephen Harper has endorsed regime change in Libya while acknowledging the world needs to be careful not to get caught up in an Iraq-style quagmire.
His comments came after an emergency gathering of world leaders who endorsed military action against Moammar Gadhafi -- the Libyan leader who thumbed his nose at demands that he stop attacking civilians and rebel forces.
During a press conference, Harper echoed fellow leaders' concerns of being drawn into a situation similar to that of Iraq, saying it was up to the Libyan people to decide their own future.
But he also endorsed regime change, by giving rebel forces the power to drive Gadhafi from power.
"He simply will not last very long," Harper said. "I think that is the basis on which we're moving forward. If I am being frank here, that is probably more understood than spoken aloud. But I just said it aloud."
Harper also said that although the main purpose of the Canadian military over Libya is to protect civilians, he noted that there is no guarantee they can avoid getting hurt.
"We should not kid ourselves. Whenever we engage in military action, essentially acts of war, these are difficult situations," Harper said from the hastily convened meeting in Paris.
"And we will have to monitor this very closely, and be very careful what we do every step of the way."
Defence Minister Peter MacKay said that 140 military personnel, including pilots and air crew, sent to the region are well equipped and well trained, but that the mission "wasn't without risk."
French fighter jets began patrolling the skies above Libya moments after the decision was made to intervene, while several other countries positioned themselves to join the military action through the week.
Six Canadian CF-18 fighter jets have been sent to the region, but will not be ready to engage in military operations for the next two days.
The jets will be part of an international effort to back a United Nations Security Council resolution that seeks to minimize violence by forces loyal to Gadhafi against rebels and civilians.
The HMCS Charlottetown, which left Halifax on March 2, is currently awaiting orders in the Mediterranean Sea.
Harper said the no-fly zone that will be enforced over Libyan skies is a complicated affair that could involve loss of innocent lives. It involves attacking Gadhafi's air defence forces and aircraft.
French fighter jets fired on a military ground vehicle on Saturday, while U.S. and French naval vessels fired more than 100 missiles at 20 Libyan military installations, according to the Pentagon.
"These campaigns are complicated and one cannot promise perfection," Harper said. "One cannot promise there will not be casualties on our side either. But obviously all precautions will be taken to minimize our own casualties and minimize those of innocent civilians."
Harper said Canada must have the courage of its convictions and stand up for what it believes in.
"One either believes in freedom or one just says one believes in freedom," he said.
"The Libyan people have shown through their sacrifice that they believe in it. Assisting them is a moral obligation upon those of us who profess this great ideal."
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff said his party supports the decision to send planes, but not ground troops in the event that the military conflict escalates.
"The prime minister has assured me that this does not involve ground combat operations," Ignatieff said. "If combat operations are ongoing it will require formal parliamentary approval and I made that point clear to the prime minister."
With files from The Canadian Press and The Associated Press
