FOR RELEASE WEEK OF January 30, 2005

Contact: Kyle Steward\...662-844-5437

 

 

## REPORT FROM CONGRESS

By Congressman Roger F. Wicker

 

[WICKER EXPECTS BETTER RELATIONS FROM NEW CANADIAN LEADER]{.underline}

 

            The recent national elections in Canada went largely
unnoticed here, but the election of Conservative Party leader Stephen
Harper as prime minister has dramatic and positive implications for our
country.  I was happy to see the conservatives break the 13-year Liberal
Party rule in Canada, a move that will likely signal improved relations
between our two countries.   I expect a greater spirit of cooperation on
national security, immigration, and other matters of critical
importance.

Canada and the U.S. are the world\'s largest trading partners, and we
are linked by a 5,525 mile border.  While we have traditionally been
close allies, the relationship has been strained in recent years after
two successive Liberal Party prime ministers criticized the Bush
Administration and attempted to thwart a number of U.S. foreign policy
initiatives.  

**MISSILE DEFENSE IMPORTANT**

            Liberal Party Prime Minister Paul Martin was vocal in his
criticism of President Bush\'s decision to go to war in Iraq, and Canada
chose not to send troops to be part of the military coalition in Iraq. 
The prime minister rejected consideration of a plan to work jointly with
our country on a missile defense system, and he blasted the President
for refusing to sign onto the international Kyoto Treaty designed to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.   The President was correct to reject
the treaty, which was backed primarily by environmental extremists and
would be harmful to American interests.    

            I have been particularly disappointed with Canada\'s
position on missile defense.   Cooperation from our neighbors on this
issue would make it easier to advance a missile defense system and
protect both American and Canadian lives.  It was positive news to hear
that the new prime minister has pledged to revisit the proposal.

**STRAINED POST-9/11 RELATIONS**

            Mr. Martin\'s predecessor as Liberal Party leader, Jacques
Chretein, also clashed with the Bush Administration.  He raised the ire
of many in the U.S. and Canada with comments that seemed to blame
America for the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.  Amazingly, he
linked the attacks to the perceived arrogance and selfishness of the
U.S. and other Western countries.  He told the Canadian Broadcasting
Company, \"..I think the Western world is getting too rich in relation
to the poor world and we are looked upon as being arrogant,
self-satisfied, greedy, and with no limits.  And September 11 is an
occasion for me to realize it even more.\"   I do not expect to hear
such shrill rhetoric and sharp criticism from the new prime minister.  
Among Mr. Harper\'s campaign promises was a pledge to strengthen ties to
the U.S, although our two nations will undoubtedly continue to differ on
issues such as trade and access to Arctic waters.

**STRENGTHENING BORDER SECURITY**

I share concerns expressed by others in Washington that Canada\'s lax
immigration policies could provide terrorists an avenue to enter our
country.  Several Canadian-based terrorist plots have been thwarted in
recent years.  Our countries have worked to tighten border security, and
I am hopeful we can increase those efforts with the new government
there.

While Mr. Harper\'s Conservative Party won the most seats in the
308-member Parliament, it did not capture a clear majority.  Whether he
can work with other parties to form a working coalition remains to be
seen, but there is little doubt that Canadians voted for a change.  It
is encouraging that part of that change includes the potential for
warmer relations between our two countries.