BMD Watch: Canadian PM defies BMD critics

Published: May 03, 2006
Source: news.monstersandcritics.com



Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Decision to Strengthen His Country's Norad Defense Pact Ties with the United States Has Angered Critics Who Believe It Will Lead to Increased Ballistic Missile Defense Cooperation with Washington.

Harper has promised a parliamentary debate on the NORAD agreement but is refusing to allow any changes to the new defense pact that gives the joint Canada-U.S. alliance sweeping new responsibilities to oversee maritime security and get involved in 'information operations.'

'That kind of arrogant and rigid approach isn`t helpful, particularly in a minority parliament,' New Democratic Party Leader Jack Layton said Monday.

'(Harper) is essentially saying once again, My way or the highway,` and when it comes to Canadian sovereignty, the independence of our decisions around military issues, that is not acceptable,' Layton said according to a report Tuesday in the Toronto Star.continue..