Canada's position

I would like to apologize on behalf of the Canadians that DO support the American troops and would like to help them. Our Prime Minister's views do not necessarily reflect the views of all Canadians so if any of you American companies are going to refuse sales to Canadians just because of Jean Chretien's reluctance to get involved, it's your loss. Even some Iraq people want Saddam out of power! Not all people under the rule of someone agree with the opinions of that person.

Thank-you.

Just to clarify...I do not support war, but I do support those who would choose an occupation that would potentially kill themselves to better their country.

Thank-you.

Tamme, I have to say, I was appalled by the news stories about the US and Canadian hockey fans booing one another's national anthems. That was completely uncalled for and beyond disrespectful.

Honestly, with the news overload that's going on, I missed the PM's position re: the war with Iraq. I have decided to cut back on the amount of news I read/watch/hear for a little bit, as it has become overwhelming. If something big happens, I am sure someone will be sure to tell me about it!

And as far as people doing foolish things such as refusing to sell to Canadians...geez, some people need to grow up. How ridiculous!

I must have missed the news about these issues. Citizens, in general, can't be blamed for the positions that their governments take.

Refusing to sell to Canadians is just plumb silly. What good does that do?

This was the only article I could find that mentioned anything about trade, and it even says that it wouldn't be the smartest economic move to stop US trade with Canadians.

I personally would be extremely surprised if a trade embargo with Canada became policy. I don't see it happening. However, I would imagine there are those private companies that are short sighted enough to do something like that on their own.



U.S. 'disappointed' in Canada's war stance: ambassador
'A lot of people in Washington are upset that Canada is not fully supporting us'


Canadian Press


TORONTO (CP) -- The United States ambassador said bluntly Tuesday his country is upset and disappointed that Canada has refused to join the war against Iraq and said the issue has caused a "bump in relations."

Paul Cellucci said the U.S. would be ready to answer any security threat against Canada and that has left many Americans wondering why "Canada is not there for us now."

"It's disappointing to us and a lot of people in Washington are upset that Canada is not fully supporting us here," Cellucci told an Economic Club of Toronto audience.

Cellucci also criticized the federal government's reaction to recent pro- and anti-American remarks made by prominent politicians.

Although Canada's close ties to the U.S. have been called into question recently due to the war, Cellucci said for economic reasons, "it's important we keep working together."

When asked whether the U.S. would punish Canada through trade agreements, Cellucci replied: "It's not in our economic interests to do that," but added, "we'll have to wait and see if there are any ramifications."

Prime Minister Jean Chretien said Cellucci's comments were not surprising.

"Of course he is disappointed. We're all disappointed somewhat that we could not agree," Chretien said.

"But being an independent and sovereign nation, sometimes we can disagree and remain good friends."

The prime minister also gave his qualified support to the U.S. effort in Iraq, saying he hopes for a swift end to hostilities now that war is underway.

"I don't want Saddam Hussein to win," Chretien said.

Cellucci remarked on the government's handling of comments made by Natural Resources Minister Herb Dhaliwal, comparing it to the government's reaction to pro-American remarks made by Alberta Premier Ralph Klein.

"When Mr. Klein issues strong support for the United States, the Canadian government comes down hard on him," Cellucci said.

"When Mr. Dhaliwal makes totally inappropriate remarks about the president of the United States, they totally ignore it. So maybe that's something they could do a better job at."

Last week, Dhaliwal said U.S. President George W. Bush lacked statesmanlike qualities for his decision to go to war, while Klein sent a letter of support to Cellucci in which he said Bush has exemplified leadership.

Klein said Tuesday he wrote to Cellucci because he is concerned that Ottawa's stance could erode the relationship between Canada and the U.S.

"I think the Americans heard me and they know my personal feelings on this," he said.

Alberta's New Democrat leader said it was highly improper for Cellucci to comment on the domestic dispute between Ottawa and Alberta.

"It is none of his business," Raj Pannu said.

Ottawa's decision to stay out of the Iraq conflict has also raised questions about Canada's naval role in the Persian Gulf. Cellucci said Canadian warships patrolling the area as part of the war on terrorism could end up intercepting ships heading for Iraq with weapons.

"Ironically, because of the presence in the Persian Gulf, they will provide more support for this war in Iraq indirectly than most of those 46 countries that are fully supporting us," Cellucci said.

"It's kind of an odd situation."

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham said he understood why Americans might be disappointed, but added that he's spoken to many U.S. colleagues who understand and respect Canada's decision.

"I hope that as we enter the days and weeks ahead the American people know that we are not indifferent to the outcome of this conflict," Graham said.

But Stockwell Day, foreign affairs critic for the Canadian Alliance, said there's an appearance that the Liberals "have not properly pursued a strong relation with the United States."

"Ninety per cent of Canadians expect better relations with the United States," Day said, citing a poll released Tuesday.

The former Alliance leader added that having a different position than the U.S. is "fine," but the manner in which the Liberals have handled the issue "has not been positive."

Public and government opinion is divided over Canada's refusal to join the U.S.-led war in Iraq, and that division has shown up in everything from politicians' comments to peace protests and hockey games.

But Cellucci said there would be no question if Canada faced a security threat -- the U.S. would respond.

"There would be no debate. There would be no hesitation. We would be there for Canada. That is why so many in the United States are disappointed and upset that Canada is not there for us now."

Just have to say, with regard to the hockey fans booing during the US National Anthem.....

The Colorado Avalanche played at the Ottowa Senators last night. When the gentleman started singing the US Anthem, the ENTIRE crowd gave a standing ovation. You could hardly hear the singing for the cheers. It brought tears to my eyes, and I'm doing it again just thinking about it.

Tamme, I think it's terrible that any US company would refuse to tell to Canadians because of the government's policy on the war. Beyond whether it is right or wrong in anyone's opinion, Canada is it's own soverign nation and should never be expected to agree with us just because we are neighbors. That is just ridiculous.

I saw on t.v. Mr. Chretien say that he has not entered the war because he 'wants to show that we're an independant country' Of course I'm paraphrasing, but that's stupid. Of course we're independant! It might be ignorant to put our troops there, seeing how behind our military is, but at least support somehow...

Another report showed a Canadian who was complaining that he wanted to buy something from an American company and they sent him back a P.F.O. letter. (Please F*@$ Off) That is dumb.

and that's why I started this thread.

Tamme - he didn't say that it is because he wanted to show that we are independant. He said that we are independent for the USA and make our own decision based on what the UN advised.

Many US consumers (and companies?) are boycotting France & the french as well - but this (about refusing to do business with Candians) was news to me, and it turns my stomach. Business at french restaurants is so bad that many are having to lay-off wait staff and bus boys! One of the restauranteurs in San Francisco is completely bewildered - he's from Switzerland!

Citizens, in general, can't be blamed for the positions that their governments take.

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In a democratic society where we elect officials from the bottom up, we should be held accountable for the positions that our government takes. How many of us know the names and specific platforms of our elected officials besides maybe the president? I know I don't and I consider myseld "up" on political issues.

Ginger

I have to say that while I think that in a democratic society, some responsibility must fall upon the people who elected the officials in the first place, it's a grey area. Some times while I may not agree 100% with a persons platform, they are the lesser of evils who are running. Unfortunately it's almost impossible to find a canidate that you support on every one of their political issues. A lot of times you don't agree with ANY of the them.

Sometimes it's the devil you know, instead of the one you don't.

I have to agree with Tamme about our elected officials. I voted for PA's current governor because I thought he would do well for education here. Now I hear he proposes cutting the education budget. But I also heard he is trying to improve the property tax situation, which is where a lot of the money for education comes from. It's hard to decide whether he's helping or hurting.

The most ridiculous thing is renaming all the French things, like freedom fries and freedom toast. That is just stupid, IMHO.

Unfortunately, a majority of people DON'T vote. Voter turnout, for most elections is abyssmal. It seems that these nonvoters are the ones who gripe the most, too. If you don't like what your elected representatives are doing - vote for someone else. Don't just gripe - DO SOMETHING!