( CNN ) -- Canada 's House of Commons voted Thursday to extend the country 's military mission in Afghanistan until 2011 , with the stipulation that NATO send reinforcements to the volatile Kandahar province . Canadian soldiers walk along a track at the Kandahar Air Base in Afghanistan last month . Most of Canada 's 2,500 troops in Afghanistan are in Kandahar as part of the NATO-led mission to stabilize the war-torn country . Their presence has sparked controversy in Canada , with the Bloc Quebecois and the New Democratic Party calling for an immediate troop withdrawal . Supporters of the mission argued that Canadians have made progress in providing schools , health care and clean water for thousands of Afghans . They said the improving conditions would be impossible without troops ensuring a secure environment for aid workers and local residents . `` The military needs to be there , '' said Harold Albrecht , a conservative member of Parliament . `` The military provides the civil order we would expect from police here . '' The Canadian mission in Afghanistan was to end next February . It has claimed the lives of 80 soldiers and a diplomat , according to The Associated Press . Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has endorsed a panel 's recommendation to keep troops in place only if another NATO nation dispatches additional troops to Kandahar . Canada wants a minimum of 1,000 reinforcements , The Globe and Mail reported . Thursday 's motion , passed with a 198-77 vote , brought Harper 's Conservative party and the opposition Liberals together on the issue . Other parties , however , noted that the cost of maintaining a troop presence in Afghanistan has not been disclosed to Parliament or the public . `` We must provide clarity to the Canadian people , '' said Nathan Cullen of the New Democratic Party . `` We believe it to be wrong for our country . '' E-mail to a friend .
Troops to stay until 2020 , with the stipulation that Canada contribute more forces . Most of Canada 's 2,500 troops in Afghanistan are in Kabul Province . The Canadian mission in Afghanistan was to end next February . Critics say the cost has not been disclosed to Congress or the public .