Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird met with rebel leaders in Libya as part of a secret visit to the North African country.
Baird wrapped up his trip Monday after spending half a day with Mahmoud Jibril, leader of the National Transitional Council, in the rebel stronghold of Benghazi.
He also met with humanitarian aid groups and visited Canadian troops based in Sicily who have participated in the NATO-led bombing campaign against Gadhafi.
Canada recently joined other European and Arab countries in officially recognizing the NTC as Libya's legitimate government.
Baird told The Canadian Press his goal was to "get the facts" for himself, adding: "We are doing our due diligence because that is what Canadians expect and the Libyan people require."
The NTC has been at a standoff for weeks with Moammar Gadhafi, Libya's longtime dictator who has vowed to fight to the death against the rebels.
Baird said he wanted to meet with Jibril and his rebel leaders to see whether they are capable of leading the country if and when Gadhafi is deposed.
"This is one of the many steps that need to happen as Canada and the NTC go forward together," Baird said.
While in Benghazi Baird met with non-governmental organizations to discuss Canada's aid efforts to Libya and how those efforts could be maximized.
He also dropped off a planeload of trauma kits to help treat the many casualties from the fighting.
Canada has committed over $10 million in aid to Libya, with funds going to various groups including the Red Cross and the United Nations Populations Fund.
Ottawa has called for women to play a role in any future democratic government in Libya.
After meeting with NTC rebels, Baird travelled to Sicily to meet with Canadian Forces personnel. Canada has seven fighter jets, in addition to a warship and surveillance and refuelling planes in the region.
In total, there are about 650 Canadian Forces personnel taking part in the NATO-led initiative. The bombing campaign began just over 100 days ago.
While the rebels have become entrenched in the east of Libya, Gadhafi and fighters loyal to him have maintained control over much of the west, including Tripoli.
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