Not to hot, not too cold and not even just right. Just the same old same old.
You see even our right wing defines itself by being NOT American. (Despite their sturm and drang over Canadian Anti-Americanism).
It's a kind of an endorsement. Kinda. Maybe. Well better Harper than Martin says Forbes. Maybe. Kinda.
US Relations Are Potent Election Issue
Although the Liberals will not give up without a fight in the final days of the election campaign, it is appropriate to consider the future of U.S.-Canada relations in the context of a Harper victory:
1. Iraq. Harper was initially open to supporting the U.S.-led intervention, though he claimed that Canada did not have enough troops to justify its participation.
2. BMD. The Conservatives have been more supportive of the U.S. position on missile defense, and Harper has announced that he would hold a free vote on the issue in the House of Commons.
3. Defense Spending. The Conservatives seek to increase the number of regular troops by about 20% and spend at least $1 billion Canadian more annually on defense than the Liberals.
4. Trade. On trade issues, a Conservative government would be unable to alleviate tension.
5. Environment. Harper has hinted that his views on the Kyoto Protocol are close to those of the White House.
6. Social Issues. Harper and the Tories will offer U.S. conservatives relief from the liberal discourse that pervades much of Canada's media.
7. Border Security. Some limited progress was made this week on the issue.
The election of a Conservative government in Ottawa should not be interpreted as a sudden shift to the right in Canadian society, which brings it more in line with the prevailing mood in the United States. Although the two countries seem similar to casual observers in other parts of the world, they retain notable differences in their social values and political culture.
In the event of a Conservative victory, relations with Washington are likely to become considerably warmer. However, little progress will be made on the most contentious bilateral issues, with the notable exception of border security measures. Harper's attempt at rapprochement will be politically constrained by the prevailing anti-Washington mood.
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Canada
Federal Election
Politics
Forbes
Conservatives
Harper
US Relations
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