"Although I consider the decision short-sighted and obtuse (yes, I am Canadian), the government of Canada officially turned down an invitation to involve itself with missle defense today."
I don't know why Canadians are opposed to being involved in this thing. I don't know if there will ever be a realistic defence against large scale missile attacks, but it looks as if there's a realistic chance that this can protect us from smaller attacks. Not that I see anyone flinging missiles at Canada anytime soon, but you never know. Stupid decision, in my opinion.
Now if just one of Pakistan or India were to get hold of this technology in working form some day ...
I don't know why the Canadiens aren't board with this concept either. After all, it is a purely DEFENSIVE undertaking. Seems to me like any nation in the world that doesn't have evil designs in mind would enthusiastically support the development.