Martin Will Reject (Canada's involvement in) Missile Defence: Report

CBC News ^ | February 22, 2005 | CBC Online Staff

[NorthOf45]

Martin will reject missile defence: report

CBC News
February 22, 2005

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Paul Martin will reject Canadian participation in the full U.S. missile defence program, CBC News has learned.

Martin plans to announce in the House of Commons as early as Thursday that the country will not partake fully in the controversial program, the CBC's French-language network reported Tuesday.

The news comes hours after Canada's next ambassador to the United States, Frank McKenna, set off a storm by saying Canada is already taking part in the program because it has agreed Norad can monitor the skies for incoming missiles.

Martin's planned announcement will mark an abrupt change from his position 16 months ago during the Liberal leadership race, when he signaled that Canada should partake in missile defence. Since then, Martin has insisted that he hasn't reached a decision on whether Canada should be a full partner.

Prime Minister Paul Martin will reject the missile shield as early as Thursday, the CBC has learned. And just two months ago, U.S. President George W. Bush pressed Martin publicly to sign on, saying on a visit to Halifax that he hoped the two countries would soon move forward to co-operate on ballistic missile defence.

But federal officials, who wished to remain anonymous, told the CBC's Radio-Canada that domestic considerations may have outweighed pressure from Washington.

Martin's government lost its majority last spring and the Bloc Québécois and the New Democrats oppose the plan, while the Conservatives support it but want a full debate on Canada's role.

As well, Martin faces stiff resistance in his own caucus. The Liberals also want to improve their fortunes in Quebec, where there seems to be little support for missile defence.

Federal officials told the Canadian Press that the United States was informed of Canada's decision at the NATO summit in Brussels.

"[The Americans] were told we will not participate," a federal official, who asked to remain anonymous, told the agency.

"It is a firm 'no.' I am not sure it is an indefinite 'no.''"

-snip-

[NorthOf45]

Martin, what a frickin' joke. He's going down and will take Canada with him.

[headsonpikes]

Sounds like a book in the works - Mr. Dithers Says 'No'.

It's a children's title.

[conservativecorner]

Can-a-DUH never ceases to amaze BUMP!

[Joe Bonforte]

I can't wait to see Mark Steyn's column on this.

[NorthOf45]

What do they say ... life is stranger than fiction?

[NorthOf45]

Ping of disgust to GMMAC, in place of Clive.

[albertabound]

He will definitely go down. There is no issue he will not dither on in order to appease and cling to power. His best before date is coming close. The lefties clamour about "weaponization of space" with actually knowing the details Harper has taken the high road saying it is a decision for Parliament to make once the details are known. Dithers went out on his own and will pay the price eventually.

[speedy]

Sounds like a good reason to support Quebec separatism. Without them, the Conservatives would probably hold the upper hand in Canada, and we might be back to rowing in the same direction again.

[winner3000]

For people whose economy depends so much on ours, it's amazing how they don't miss an opportunity to piss us off. Canadian stuff is being added next to my French "Do Not Buy" list.

[bubman]

The same rationale that motivated Jean Chretien (the previous idiot)to not send troops to Iraq is now motivating Paul Martin; to woo the french Quebec electorate who are looking at voting separatism again and the god damn left in Canada. He has sold out on same sex marriage, funding for the military transfer payments and has vowed to never ever have a debate on the merits of privatizing health care.

Ladies & Gentlemen let me apologize for my gov't for they are bleeding heart liberals and they do not know wht the fu&@#$k they are doing!!

Man I have got to get the fukc out of this pathetic excuse for a country. My country no more. I will vote for separation in Quebec and move to Texas.

If you will have me (and the wife!)

[bahblahbah]

When we consistently get the missile defense to work I guarantee they'll send a little message that they're on board. Maybe we should leave the phone off the hook.

[kimosabe31]

Martin plans to announce in the House of Commons as early as Thursday that the country will not partake fully in the controversial program...

I guess we can't expect canada to do anything so daring as partake of something controversial.

[zarf]

Come on down, the waters fine!

[Toddsterpatriot]

Prime Minister Paul Martin will reject Canadian participation in the full U.S. missile defence program, CBC News has learned.

So, if we can't base weapons and radars in Canada, I hope they won't mind when we shoot down the ICBMs and they land in Canada.

[kimosabe31]

I will vote for separation in Quebec and move to Texas.

Good choice bubman. Welcome to Texas.

[GMMAC]

We're now only part way into a whole series of Liberal flip-flops on this issue. Plus, any Liberal PM worth his salt is more capable of simultaneously taking one position with the left wing of his Party, another with the right, a third one in the House or on the campaign trail and, ultimately and likely begrudgingly, the appropriate one with his nation's largest trading partner.

Thursday definitely won't be Martin's last word on this subject.
Those in need of sleep - stay tuned.

[cake_crumb]

So he's pulling a Kerry : he was for it before he was against it. I wonder how much participation he IS considering? If any?

[NorthOf45]

Flip-floppin' liberals ... I wish the fish would run out of air already.

[cake_crumb]

"For people whose economy depends so much on ours, it's amazing how they don't miss an opportunity to piss us off. Canadian stuff is being added next to my French 'Do Not Buy' list."

Hubby and I HAD been talking about resuming our annual fishing trip this year. Looks like it's gonna wait at least another one.

[cake_crumb]

"Plus, any Liberal PM worth his salt is more capable of simultaneously taking one position with the left wing of his Party, another with the right, a third one in the House or on the campaign trail and, ultimately and likely begrudgingly, the appropriate one with his nation's largest trading partner."

Yep, thus the wording : "will not participate in the FULL missile defense program"...leaving open any number of options for Martin to fill in the definition of "full"