The official Opposition is urging the Conservative government to recall Canada's ambassador from Syria.
NDP foreign affairs critic Helene Laverdiere says the move would send a strong message to President Bashar Assad, who has waged a bloody 11-month crackdown on dissent in his country that has left thousands dead.
A Syrian government military offensive against people in the city of Homs has entered its third straight day.
The Obama administration has closed the U.S. embassy in Damascus and recalled all diplomatic staff. Britain has recalled its ambassador to Syria and expressed its disgust over the situation.
The Foreign Affairs Department has no comment on status of the Canadian embassy in Damascus.
The diplomatic moves follow a veto by Russia and China that killed a UN Security Council resolution condemning the Assad regime.
Laverdiere also urged Prime Minister Stephen Harper to raise the matter with his hosts in China, given their veto over the weekend.
Harper has departed for China for a week-long trip that is focused on deepening trade ties, but is being urged by the NDP and various other organizations to raise human rights issues as well.
Laverdiere says Harper should use the opportunity to try to gain a better first-hand understanding of China's position on Syria.
"Understanding the reason is not accepting the veto. But I think it's a step in the right direction," she says.
She urged Harper to reiterate Canada's support for the UN resolution and for past efforts by the Arab League.
A spokesman for Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird, who is accompanying Harper to China, signalled the topic would be up for discussion with officials in Beijing.
"We will discuss a range of global issues with our hosts, including the situation in the Middle East," said spokesman Chris Day.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said he recalled his ambassador from Syria to consult on the escalating violence in the country.
Hague said Monday that Britain has expressed its "abhorrence" over the violent crackdown through various channels, and has summoned Syria’s ambassador in London to convey that message.
At least 17 people were killed Monday in the third day of renewed government attacks in Homs, the city that is the centre of the uprising.