Posted on 03/17/2006 6:15:01 PM PST by Clive
OTTAWA (CP) - The federal Liberals are distancing themselves from a senator's harsh criticism of the United States in a letter she sent defending the Canadian seal hunt.
Senator Celine Hervieux-Payette replied recently to a letter from a U.S. family which called the hunt "horrible" and "inhumane." Hervieux-Payette responded what she found horrible is "the daily massacre of innocent people in Iraq, the execution of prisoners - mainly blacks - in American prisons, the massive sale of handguns to Americans, the destabilization of the entire world by the American government's aggressive foreign policy, etc."
Opposition Leader Bill Graham issued a statement Friday saying those words "reflect her personal opinions and not those of the Liberal Party of Canada."
"The Liberal Party of Canada values the friendship and commitment to democratic principles that Canada shares with the United States."
The Liberals are sensitive about perceived anti-Americanism within the party in the wake of past controversial comments by several MPs.
Scotty Greenwood, executive director of the Canadian American Business Council in Washington, said the remarks would be noticed in the U.S capital, where legislators might not easily distinguish between Liberals and the Conservative government.
"It's really unfortunate and not what we need in the relationship right now," said Greenwood.
"Instead of taking those concerns and dealing with them, she attacks the policies of the United States."
U.S. officials have been clearly relieved at the prospect of improving relations strained under the Liberals.
Former prime minister Paul Martin banished Carolyn Parrish from the Liberal caucus after she made harsh comments about U.S. President George W. Bush. But she was a sitting MP in a government party while Hervieux-Payette is an unelected senator from the Opposition.
There was no suggestion Hervieux-Payette's comments might bring disciplinary action from her caucus.
The Quebec senator was unavailable for comment.
The letter from the U.S. family was sent to all senators but Hervieux-Payette was apparently the only one who replied.
The senator's remarks drew a sharp rebuke from Rebecca Aldworth of the Humane Society of the United States, who said Hervieux-Payette was out of line.
"Her statements were inflammatory and offence to Americans, who have the absolute right to speak up on the seal hunt regardless of U.S. foreign policy," Aldworth said.
"Her comments weren't at all appropriate or relevant."
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Surprise surprise! She's French-Canadian.
i have been meaning to ask you if fanfan is on your ping list? i don't want to send a ping if you already did! :)
But it does not hurt to separately ping either or us anyway.
Break out the popcorn...
Dear Senator:
I've traveled extensively in Canada, and have several friends living there (with whom I have daily contact). I've got a better knowledge of Canadian history than most Americans. In fact, I placed another order today w/ a Canadian software company.
I trust the Canadian people.
Would they be so kind as to step up to the plate to be the world's policeman, replacing the Americans in that duty? We'd love to stop all that massive military spending, and would enjoy keeping our sons and daughters at home instead of 100+ countries around the world.
Then the Canadians could show us Americans how it's done, how to be the world's policeman. They could put all those wonderful ideas to work, and avoid all of those problems that have garnered criticism for the past 50 years from Canadian pundits and politicians.
So Senator, pleaaase... if you feel so strongly about the USA foreign policy, please show us how it is done?
PS - Please stop dumping Canadian trash here in Michigan....
ping
okay, so no one is going to yell at me...lol
(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")
That statement is a complete lie!
She was kicked out of the party for crossing Martin, not for insulting Americans.
I would say that you are correct - seeing as Martin is anti-American himself!!
"You're French Canadian? So you're obnoxious and dull" -- Triumph the Insult Comic Dog
"The busybody PETA types are the type that when possible you politely ignore."
I dunno, those ladies who appear naked to protest PETA stuff are pretty interesting... the one in Lansing Michigan was actually quite attractive!
fanfan is on my Canada ping list and I am on his hers.
All fixed Friend.
Did you send that?
It's wonderful!
I'd need your phone number.
;-)
The 'Quebecois' was elected in Quebec.
She is typical of Quebec 'Liberal' politicians.
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