The government was on the defensive again Wednesday, as the Opposition took the Liberals to task over a Canadian military reconnaissance team that's on a mission in Iraq unarmed.

In the House of Commons Wednesday, Canadian Alliance MP Leon Benoit pressed Defence Minister John McCallum to explain why the soldiers travelling to Afghanistan aren't allowed to carry firearms.

"Was it a deliberate decision on the part of this government to deny our Canadian soldiers the weapons they need to protect themselves or was it an oversight?" Benoit asked.

"Yesterday, I said it was a non-issue and I repeat that," McCallum replied. "While the government has every concern for the safety of our troops, a small reconnaissance mission unarmed as is often the case… this is normal."

On Tuesday, Benoit said the decision to send a 25-member team to Afghanistan without weapons was "shameful." But McCallum told the Commons the issue was "no big deal," as the team would be well-protected by German troops while there.

Repeating his assurances Wednesday, the minister accused Benoit of "talking nonsense."

"This group is well-protected by the Germans who are currently deployed. The same is true for a small group of NATO soldiers," McCallum told the House.

The Canadian team is in Afghanistan to prepare for the arrival of 1,800 other Canadian troops expected in August. They will be part of a 5,000-member force sanctioned by the UN but not led by it. NATO agreed to assume that role last week.

Sharing his analysis from Ottawa, CTV's Mike Duffy says that the team travelled to Afghanistan on commercial carriers.

"As they tell me at National Defence headquarters, you can't get on a plane with a gun today. And to bring a gun to do what is essentially a bureaucratic mission. They see it as unnecessary, a lot of hassle and extra trouble," Duffy said.

The issue is likely drawing steam from worried relatives of the unarmed soldiers, who are putting pressure on the Alliance to "carry the banner," Duffy said.

In the House, Benoit was indeed raising the issue.

"The families are worried," Benoit said in a question for McCallum.

"Afghanistan, in case he doesn't know it, is a very dangerous place. Just 11 days ago, two American soldiers were killed in Afghanistan in a surprise attack. How can this minister fail so badly in his obligation to our Canadian serving men and women?"

But the minister was unmoved.

"It is the opposition which is causing unnecessary worry for the families. It is the opposition who by raising these non-issues is casting aspersions on the fine work done by the Canadian forces," McCallum shot back.

"I would suggest that they support our forces and talk about the fine achievements rather than raising these non-issues."