Posted on 12/14/2005 11:39:02 AM PST by proud_yank
Liberal Leader Paul Martin said on Wednesday he's not concerned by what officials in Washington think about his remarks on the campaign trail.
FROM DEC. 13, 2005: Martin rejects U.S. ambassador's rebuke
"I am not going to be dictated to as to the subjects I should raise," Martin said at a lumber mill in B.C.
He was responding to comments made by U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins in Ottawa on Tuesday.
Wilkins implicitly rebuked Martin for attacking U.S. policies to score political points, suggesting it could have an effect on the future of the cross-border relationship.
Martin was unapologetic following Wilkins's speech, and came out swinging again on Wednesday. "When it comes to defending Canadian values, when it comes to standing up for Canadian interests, I'm going to call it as I see it," Martin said.
Trumpeting the "modest" progress that has been made recently in the softwood lumber dispute, Martin said those results came from insisting that the United States live up to the North American Free Trade Agreement.
"The progress we have made has been made because we have, in fact, stood up for Canadian rights," he said.
Martin has been critical of U.S. policy, not only in trade disputes, but also on global warming. He denies he is raising these things now as election fodder.
"Those issues predate the election campaign," he said. "But if those issues arise, then I will deal with them as they arise."
Almost simultaneous with Martin's appearance in Richmond, B.C., Wilkins was on CBC Radio in Ottawa.
The ambassador denied he was interfering with the Canadian election. He said the bulk of his speech on Tuesday had been about the positive aspects of the relationship between the two countries.
"What I said was not in any way intended to affect an election," he said.
Doesn't seem to be working, does it?
Oh brother...
He's just playing politics, as usual. His handlers did some quick polling research to see how he should play Wilkens remarks, and sure enough, anti-Americanism prevailed.
Martin is a purebred politician. Not one ounce of statesmanship.
I don't mean to be rude, but in reality, the US government should really just stay out of this election (especially if you want to see Harper elected).
Never heard of him.
No it doesn't. Hasn't the lumber dispute been going on for decades? I thought that Max Baucus (D-MT) was the one responsible for both the beef & lumber trade disputes. The WH doesn't have ultimate authority if something is tied up in the senate. Certainly, if trade issues are his concern, he is not making it easier to resolve them by what he is saying.
He has no room to talk when it comes to Kyoto. Whatsoever.
Canadian govt subsidizes their lumber industry whereas the US doesn't. Inequities are apparent in the industry. Further, Martin has been watching too many reruns of the movie "Day After Tomorrow"--the latest envirowacko call to arms.
What's the harm in it? Let the Canuckistanis bankrupt themselves paying fines to Belgium. I have no problem with that.
No problems with Michael Moore saying that 'A conservative government would ruin your country' though. LOL
ping
We will survive for 24 hours without Canada's chief exports of beer, bad actors, Jenifer Grandholm, and socialism. Canada on the other hand....
LOL. Duh....Global warming bad, socialism good.
No one's listening to him on either side of the border, apparently.
Wouldn't global warming be good for Canada? Longer growing seasons and such.
Just keep on Canada one day you best friends may be the communist chinese.
Looks like he's trying to do a Schroeder and convert a losing campaign into a winner with America-bashing.
Canada Ping!
Please FReepmail me to get on or off this Canada ping list.
Martin is nuts. He's losing it and endangering Canada in the process.
Ahhh, he aspires to be the mouse that roared...
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