WICKER EXPECTS BETTER RELATIONS FROM NEW CANADIAN LEADER
REPORT FROM CONGRESS
By Congressman Roger F. Wicker
WICKER EXPECTS BETTER RELATIONS FROM NEW CANADIAN LEADER
1/30/2006
The recent national elections in Canada went largely unnoticed here, but the election of Conservative Party leader Stephen Harper as prime minister has dramatic and positive implications for our country. I was happy to see the conservatives break the 13-year Liberal Party rule in Canada, a move that will likely signal improved relations between our two countries. I expect a greater spirit of cooperation on national security, immigration, and other matters of critical importance.
Canada and the U.S. are the world's largest trading partners, and we are linked by a 5,525 mile border. While we have traditionally been close allies, the relationship has been strained in recent years after two successive Liberal Party prime ministers criticized the Bush Administration and attempted to thwart a number of U.S. foreign policy initiatives.
MISSILE DEFENSE IMPORTANT
Liberal Party Prime Minister Paul Martin was vocal in his criticism of President Bush's decision to go to war in Iraq, and Canada chose not to send troops to be part of the military coalition in Iraq. The prime minister rejected consideration of a plan to work jointly with our country on a missile defense system, and he blasted the President for refusing to sign onto the international Kyoto Treaty designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The President was correct to reject the treaty, which was backed primarily by environmental extremists and would be harmful to American interests.
I have been particularly disappointed with Canada's position on missile defense. Cooperation from our neighbors on this issue would make it easier to advance a missile defense system and protect both American and Canadian lives. It was positive news to hear that the new prime minister has pledged to revisit the proposal.
STRAINED POST-9/11 RELATIONS
Mr. Martin's predecessor as Liberal Party leader, Jacques Chretein, also clashed with the Bush Administration. He raised the ire of many in the U.S. and Canada with comments that seemed to blame America for the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Amazingly, he linked the attacks to the perceived arrogance and selfishness of the U.S. and other Western countries. He told the Canadian Broadcasting Company, "..I think the Western world is getting too rich in relation to the poor world and we are looked upon as being arrogant, self-satisfied, greedy, and with no limits. And September 11 is an occasion for me to realize it even more." I do not expect to hear such shrill rhetoric and sharp criticism from the new prime minister. Among Mr. Harper's campaign promises was a pledge to strengthen ties to the U.S, although our two nations will undoubtedly continue to differ on issues such as trade and access to Arctic waters.
STRENGTHENING BORDER SECURITY
I share concerns expressed by others in Washington that Canada's lax immigration policies could provide terrorists an avenue to enter our country. Several Canadian-based terrorist plots have been thwarted in recent years. Our countries have worked to tighten border security, and I am hopeful we can increase those efforts with the new government there.
While Mr. Harper's Conservative Party won the most seats in the 308-member Parliament, it did not capture a clear majority. Whether he can work with other parties to form a working coalition remains to be seen, but there is little doubt that Canadians voted for a change. It is encouraging that part of that change includes the potential for warmer relations between our two countries.
http://www.house.gov/wicker/Canadian.htm