Prime Minister Stephen Harper went into attack mode in the House of Commons on Wednesday, accusing the Liberals of caring more about Taliban prisoners than Canadian troops.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper leaped to the defence of Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor during question period in the House of Commons on Wednesday.
(Tom Hanson/Canadian Press)

The attack came during Question Period, as the Liberals called for the resignation of Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor over the erroneous information he provided to the government two weeks ago.

O'Connor incorrectly told the House of Commons that the Red Cross would keep Canada informed about the condition of prisoners handed over to Afghan officials by Canadian soldiers. On Monday, O'Connor apologized, admitting that the Red Cross has no obligation to report to Canada and must only keep Afghanistan informed.

On Wednesday, a visibly flustered and red-faced O'Connor repeated his apology. Moments later, Harper swooped in to his defence.

"I can understand the passion that the leader of the Opposition and members of his party feel for the Taliban prisoners," Harper said. "I just wish occasionally they would show the same passion for Canadian soldiers."

His comments were quickly followed by boos and jeers from Liberals in the House. Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion said he was shocked by Harper's suggestion and demanded an apology.

Harper continued with his barrage.

"I would like to see more support in the House of Commons from all sides for Canadian men and women in uniform," he said. "I think Canadians expect that from parliamentarians in every party. They have not been getting it, and they deserve it.

Opposition Leader Stéphane Dion demanded an apology.
(Tom Hanson/Canadian Press)

Dion, speaking to reporters outside the House of Commons, said Harper is trivializing the situation of the detainees.

Reports allege that on 18 occasions, Canadian soldiers handed over prisoners to Afghan officials knowing they would be abused. The Canadian Military Police complaints commission is investigating this allegation after complaints from Amnesty International Canada and the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association.

There are also four investigations into the alleged beating of three suspected Taliban fighters who were picked up by Canadians near Kandahar on April 7, 2006.

According to prisoner-transfer logs, the prisoners suffered lacerations and contusions. An Ottawa law professor, Amir Attaran, brought the reports to the media and said it appears the prisoners were injured while in Canadian custody.

The military denies the allegation, but is investigating.

With files from the Canadian Press