The Canadian government says it is expelling five diplomats working at the Libyan embassy in Ottawa.
"The activities carried out in Canada by the five Libyan diplomats are considered inappropriate and inconsistent with normal diplomatic functions," Foreign Affairs said in a statement on its website Tuesday evening.
Canada has suspended the operation of its embassy in Tripoli but has not severed diplomatic relations with Libya during the NATO mission there.
Foreign Affairs says the five expelled Libyan diplomats and their families must arrange to leave the country immediately.
The Canadian military is currently operating in Libya alongside other NATO forces to enforce a no-fly zone. The United Nations-mandated mission is aimed at protecting civilians from Moammar Gadhafi's forces.
Canada's role in the mission is scheduled to end on June 16, but the Conservative government has said it is committed to gaining parliamentary approval for an extension.
Two groups of protesters -- one supporting Gadhafi, and the other calling for his removal from power -- recently clashed near the Libyan embassy in Ottawa.
