Hello all:
Just thought I'd wrap these 2 stories under the one headline, since they are connected indirectly.. It hilites the continuing tension between the 2 countries on issues right at the moment.
The first involves a trade dispute that may be esclating to a full trade war (I realize I will be on the opposite end of the debate with some on here) and the other involves US Ambassador to Canada Paul Cellucci again opening his mouth and opining what he thinks we need to be doing with regards to our military.
First Issue: Ironically on Feb 14, the Canadian Government will show no love to the US government when it applies to the WTO to be allowed to formally retaliate against the US because of US failure to comply with the WTO's order to remove duties off of Canadian softwood lumber.
That figure will amount to the largest ever amount Caanda has requested against the US in trade disputes - that figure... 4.1 billion dollars
It could result in hitting a wide range of U.S. goods imported into Canada with hefty duties.
The Canadian government decision has gotten strong backing from those provinces affected - particularly in BC.. where their forestry minister said:
The Americans have succeeded where few have in creating a pretty powerful coalition between the provinces and the federal government in agreeing the time has come to send a pretty clear, unambiguous message to the U.S. administration
There are warnings from him that continued US non-compliance with WTO and NAFTA rulings will seriously affect the relationship between US and Canada.
Canada Seeks to Retaliate in Softwood Lumber Fight
And Celluci? He tried to appeal to the Canadian public's desire for supporting humanitarian causes by stating "a strong military would help" and that Canada has "gaping holes" in the armed forces which should be remedied by increased defence spending:
Cellucci has long called on Canada to boost defence spending, but he has added some specifics to the advice, including the addition of large airplanes to quickly move troops to trouble spots.
Cellucci suggested Canada should also spend more on military intelligence analysis that can be done in the country.
Celluci is due to leave his Ambassadorship in March, and has taken to doing a farewell tour of sorts.. giving interviews to any that will listen and going on public speaking tours around Canada pushing his point of view.. of which he has long advocated Canada boost its military spending.
This particular time.. he was speaking to students at the University of Laval in Laval, Quebec - a province that is the most anti-Bush of all of Canada. The reaction to his speech was a tad hostile.. but that didnt seem to phase him:
Cellucci's suggestions got a chilly-but-polite reception from his audience of students at the University of Laval.
He was unwavering when a student said Canadians prefer health care and social services to a strong military and suggested Cellucci should mind his own business.
Cellucci replied: 'Clearly it's a decision for Canada, but if Canada wants to have influence in the world, it seems to me they need to have some military capacity so that they can respond to a crisis.'
US Ambassador Takes Swipe at Military Spending
This is coming from an area of Quebec known for its Quebec nationalist tendencies.. that a US Ambassador can invoke pro-Canadian tendencies is extraordinary -- maybe we should keep Cellucci in Quebec... he's done more to promote Canadian unity in the past 3 years there then all other efforts combined. Anyhow.. the point is... I think a lot of Canadians would say they dont mind spending a bit more money on the military - but most think Cellucci is sticking his nose into our domestic affairs and should butt out.. he will not be missed when he leaves in another month.
