The ultra-conservative Canadian Alliance proposed that the House of Commons pass a motion "to reaffirm the United States to be Canada's closest friend and ally; hope that the US-led coalition in Iraq is successful in removing Saddam Hussein's regime from power; and urge the government of Canada to assist the coalition in the reconstruction of Iraq."

The motion also calls on the government to "express its regret and apologize for offensive and inappropriate statements made against the United States of America by certain members of this House."

Political insiders said the motion stands no chance of being passed as the government has a clear majority in the House, but that a watered down motion that praises the United States will likely be adopted.

Canada has said it would not support war in Iraq unless it was approved by the United Nations. But it has three ships, a handful of planes and some 1,000 troops, including some Canadians integrated into US units, in the Gulf region.

"We have stood apart because we believe it is the Security Council of the United Nations that ought to take responsibility for authorizing force," deputy prime minister John Manley said.

US Ambassador to Canada Paul Cellucci has chastised Ottawa for not fully supporting the United States in its war in Iraq, saying Washington would automatically and "without hesitation" lend a helping hand to Canada if its defense were in question.

But he has also recognized that the Canadian ships are a greater contribution than many declared members of the US coalition have made.

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