Members of the federal New Democratic Party on Saturday overwhelmingly endorsed party leader Jack Layton's call to pull Canadian troops from Afghanistan.

The vote came during the national party's convention in Quebec City, where the mission in Afghanistan has dominated discussions and debates.

Although a number of delegates rose to speak strongly against the motion, it easily passed when put to a vote, which means it is now official NDP policy.

An estimated 90 per cent of delegates voted in favour of the resolution from Layton.

"Delegates, I urge us all to stand together and reiterate our support for the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and bring them home," said Layton.

Some vote against resolution

But support for Layton's call to withdraw Canadian troops from Afghanistan was not universal among party members.

"It's up to Canadians to judge us, and they will have a time very soon at the next election to determine if we are right or wrong on these issues," Peter Stoffer, a NDP MP from Nova Scotia, told CBC News.

Stoffer was among those who voted against the resolution, but he said he respects the party's decision and will not quit over it.

Since Canada's military mission started four years ago, 32 soldiers and one diplomat have died in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Canada's military chief of NATO said Saturday that more troops and equipment are needed in Afghanistan.

"Afghanistan is the most complex mission NATO has ever undertaken," Gen. Ray Henault told reporters on Saturday.

"Our collective assessment is that we are satisfied with the military-related progress to date, particularly in the north and the west, but less so in the south, where it's been more difficult."

Henault made the remarks at a closed-door meeting of NATO defence chiefs in Warsaw.

He will be attending a NATO council meeting on Monday where he is expected to make a formal appeal to have alliance members contribute an additional 2,000-2,500 more troops.