Our Northern Neighbors continue to build fences....

Canada Opts Out of U.S. Defense Shield
From Myway News.....

Feb 24, 7:12 PM (ET)

By BETH DUFF-BROWN

(AP) Psycmeistr asks; Have Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin and Jacques Chirac been separated at birth? Full Image

(AP) - Prime Minister Paul Martin said Thursday that Canada would not join the contentious U.S. missile defense program, a decision that will further strain brittle relations between the neighbors but please Canadians who fear it could lead to an international arms race.

The Bush administration has tried to make a public show of understanding that Martin heads up a minority government that could fall over such a contentious debate. But after the announcement, U.S. Ambassador Paul Cellucci told reporters he was perplexed over Canada's decision, which he said effectively allows Washington to decide what to do if a missile was headed toward Canada.

"We simply cannot understand why Canada would in effect give up its sovereignty - its seat at the table - to decide what to do about a missile that might be coming towards Canada," said the outgoing ambassador, who had vigorously urged Canada to sign on the plan.

Martin, ending nearly two years of debate over whether Canada should participate in the development or operation of the multibillion-dollar program, insisted his decision had not relinquished Canada's sovereignty over its airspace and that Ottawa would expect to be consulted what to do about any missile passing over Canada.

(AP) United States ambassador to Canada Paul Cellucci speaks at a news conference in Ottawa on Thursday... Full Image

"We are certainly intending to defend our sovereignty and our air space and if anything develops in our air space, we expect, as a sovereign state, to be notified and have influence on any decisions," he said. "Canada's a sovereign nation and we would expect and insist on being consulted on any intrusion into our air space."

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew, however, indicated the ultimate decision had always been in U.S. hands.

"Would it have been otherwise?" he replied when asked whether Canada's refusal to join means the country now officially relies on the United States for protection.

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The Ice Palace notes....

This from a country whose social programs we have practically funded via padding our defense budget so they wouldn't have to. I'd say we leave Canada to their own devices defensively. I'm sure they can fix the leaks on their submarine, and their one hand grenade may also come in handy...

In the opinion of the Ice Palace, The leadership in Canada have become every bit the pantywaist, namby-pamby obstructionists as has our old friend Jacques Chirac. With fair-weather friends like Canada, who needs "Old Europe?"