The way Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sees it, the path to peace in Syria does not include it’s current president.

(Adrian Wyld / The Canadian Press)

Speaking in France where he toured Juno Beach, where Canadians came ashore on D-Day during the Second World War, Trudeau stated ”I think there’s no question that the medium-and long-term future of a peaceful Syria no longer includes Bashar al-Assad.”

Trudeau adds Canada stands ready to do what is necessary.

”I think Russia needs to be made aware of its responsibility in the bloody actions last week by the Assad regime.  And therefore, we are always open to working with our friends, allies and partners to send messages through sanctions and other means to Russia.”

Meanwhile, a senior U.S. official says Washington has concluded that Russia knew in advance of Syria’s recent chemical weapons attack.

The official says a Russian-operated drone flew over a hospital in Syria as victims were rushing to get treatment.

Hours after the drone left, a Russian-made fighter jet bombed the hospital, in what American officials believe, was an attempt to cover up the usage of chemical weapons.

Until now the U.S. had said it was not sure if the drone was operated by Russia or Syria.