Skip navigation

 Login or Register | Member Centre

MacKay: Canada will play bigger role in defending Western Hemisphere

The Canadian Press

Latest comment posted at 3:18 AM EST 04/09/08

Defence Minister tells colleagues predictable, long-term funding will rebuild Canadian military ...Read the full article

This conversation is closed

  1. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    And if you don't think the western hemisphere needs defending then peace, love, dope to you.

    The emphasis being on dope.
  2. david sandford from vancouver, Canada writes: blablabla....more words......
  3. Still Learning at 78 from Canada writes: First off Mr MacKay I do not believe a word you say, your word is not worth the paper it is written on, ask Mr Orchard.
  4. scott thomas from Canada writes: In other words, Canada plans to have more of our boys die for reasons that are not clear.
  5. Andre Carrel from Salmo, Canada writes: Mr. MacKay says Canada may be at the northern tip of the hemisphere, but shares many values and problems with those in regions to the south.

    How far south?
  6. Armins copy of Swank from Canada writes: scott thomas from Canada writes: In other words, Canada plans to have more of our boys die for reasons that are not clear.

    _______________
    Well, not clear to people like you who have a gnats attention span.
  7. Robin Adams from Ottawa, Canada writes: The minister says he envisions more co-operation in working with member nations during natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina...

    Oh good idea! So next time there is a natural disaster in New Orleans we're going to go there and do what FEMA can't!! The Americans will love that.
  8. Jim Goodwin from Canada writes: Does he mean by building coast guard ships, and supply ships for our navy, ooops they cancelled them. Standing up for Canada.
  9. Mr Right from Toronto, Canada writes: Thanks for coming out Sharpie.

    I'm glad I don't walk around feeling threatened all day like you seem to do.
  10. P. Pobega from Canada writes: And with WHAT money will they do this with?

    They've scraped several initiative previously and I'm presuming because of not enough money.
  11. Robin Adams from Ottawa, Canada writes: Now apparently Canadians aren't good enough to run security at major international events that we host and we need "help". Kind of like the Texas Staties helping the RCMP with their dwi stopping...

    OK, so lets bring in the real experts like Blackwater USA. Seriously. They are the experts with lots of combat experience. Check it out:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BlackwaterBaghdadshootings

    I'm sure with Blackwater convoys running protection with immunity from Canadian laws the Olympics will be a roaring success!
  12. Robin Adams from Ottawa, Canada writes: Excellent question P. Pobega!! It would seem to me that the minister thinks its an excellent idea to spend the federal governments disaster budget in another country.
  13. Chris Halford from Ottawa, Canada writes: I suggest that John Manley was correct that we should insist on getting help from our NATO allies before committing further in Afghanistan. There is still an insufficient number of forces on the ground where the Canadians are. It is good that the Americans have chipped in another 800 troops but there are too many NATO nations that are shirking their responsibilities to the organization. Why does MacKay feel that Canada should do more to "defend the Western Hemisphere" when it has punched way above its weight in Afghanistan but our allies apart from a few refuse to pitch in in the dangerous areas. There needs to be more hardball played by Canada and the U.S in the NATO corridors of power. This is more sabre-rattling to rouse the neocon vote in the upcoming election.
  14. B. Goode from Canada writes: P. Pobega from Canada writes: "And with WHAT money will they do this with?

    They've scraped several initiative previously and I'm presuming because of not enough money."
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    They squandered the $13 billion surplus and are near deficit.
    They'll have to raise taxes.
  15. Fake Name from Canada writes: " Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
    And if you don't think the western hemisphere needs defending then peace, love, dope to you. The emphasis being on dope."

    I think it's quite a bit more likely that the failure of western society as we know it will come about internally (probably caused by regular human nature - i.e. stupidity) rather than anything that can be defended against by military force. Unless we get a major shift in political tendencies from partisan extremist domination to pragmatic, centrist managers, any military buildup is most likely just going to be putting off the inevitable.
  16. Bob Duvan from Canada writes: As a country that wants to be taken seriously we need to maintain a meaningful defence capability and that requires a multi-year funding plan. The question is when and where to allow deployment of the force and that is something that should be clearly circumscribed in binding legislation. From my point of view it should be only as part of widely supported (both by voting and active participation) UN actions or in protection against direct threats to Canadian territory. It must definitely exclude being tributaries to the imperial pretensions of the idiots to the south of us. - But the upgrading of our troops needs to be spearheaded by someone of integrity, not 'traitor' McKay, the lowlife whose word isn't worth a spot of spit on the sidewalk.
  17. Chris Halford from Ottawa, Canada writes: P. Pobega from Canada - what money indeed! It's election time, preaching to the choir - the same boys who don't want to register their firearms.
  18. jake and pete from Canada writes: Not worth a comment.
  19. Summer of Discontent from Ottawa, Canada writes: Critical posters here are absolutely pathetic.

    Here is an example: Hurricane Katrina hit and what could Canada offer for assistance? Medical staff several weeks later and money to assist in humanitarian relief. Hurricane Gustav hits and we are now able to offer DART, medical supplies, etc... due to our reinvigorated airforce.

    Canada has international obligations and regional ones as well. Our Canadian forces are able to provide quick, efficient relief and support with the new (and to be purchased) equipment we own.

    What I see from the majority of posters here is that they would rather have a Canada which is isolationist, inward and only benefits the few than actually act like the Canada we are proud of historically, politically and militarily.

    The phrase has often been bantered but fits well for us today: That with great power (economically, scientifically, militarily, etc.. ) comes great responsibility to use it for the benefit of mankind rather than oneself.
  20. Richard Hawrelak from Sarnia, Canada writes: So, defense of our hemisphere is a political issue? Bring on the debate. More navy, more subs, more aircraft, more helicopters, more ice-breakers, more lives lost in Afghan ... three today. BTW, who are we defending against? Terrorists? They have already established a beachhead in TO and Montreal via our immigration policy. Ask any fisherman on the St. Claire River (Sarnia to Port Huron) how easy it is to cross back and forth from Canada to the U.S.
  21. Robin Adams from Ottawa, Canada writes: You've got it completely wrong Summer of Discontent. We want a Canadian governement that puts the interests of Canadians first. Since we pay the bills is it too much to ask that we budget for our own problems rather than someone else's? Why is everyone else's problem our own?

    I might add also, since the US can afford to spend $700 billion on its defense then they really don't need to be rescued by Canada. That's just insulting.
  22. Zando Lee from Canada writes: .....defend the Western Hemisphere from idiots like Peter Mackay....
  23. bob london from Canada writes: Why would we fight for democracy when the boomer "liberals" brought us to the left past to Castro? Obama is right wing compared to Harper.
  24. Geoffrey May from Canada writes: Is MacKay suggesting Canada will play a military role in Eastern Europe, or South America ? In his own words " tough sledding".
  25. Andre Carrel from Salmo, Canada writes: Summer of Discontent from Ottawa, Canada writes: "The phrase has often been bantered but fits well for us today: That with great power (economically, scientifically, militarily, etc.. ) comes great responsibility to use it for the benefit of mankind rather than oneself."

    You are right, but why the emphasis on the military? Why should Canada not place its emphasis on science? The country has made some significant contributions to science, and a few billion dollars invested in scientific research and universities for real research, not the kind of limited research targeted to specific short-term economic objectives, would serve the country and its international image well.
  26. Melba Toast from Canada writes: Money laundering? I'd like to see the war game built around that exercise.
  27. WOHOO figure it out! from Canada writes: stop wasting our dollars on the miltary so much... like we spend enough as it is... we dont more guns and tanks and all and please bring the poor young people back from afghanistan they are dying there for no reason... for no purpose... even in Iraq they had to buy out the insurgents so why don’t we follow some more diplomacy instead of more guns tanks and planes... this is just to make Lockheed happy
  28. Chris Halford from Ottawa, Canada writes: Robin Adams from Ottawa, Canada writes: You've got it completely wrong Summer of Discontent. We want a Canadian governement that puts the interests of Canadians first. Since we pay the bills is it too much to ask that we budget for our own problems rather than someone else's? Why is everyone else's problem our own?

    I might add also, since the US can afford to spend $700 billion on its defense then they really don't need to be rescued by Canada. That's just insulting.
    -----------------------------------
    I agree Robin Adams, you saved me the trouble. Also, Canada provided a lot of help after Katrina both from the government and private organizations and individuals. At least one and maybe two navy ships were sent PDQ. Summer of Discontent, DART was in existence before this government came into power so what's all this drivel about our reinvigorated forces enabling us to offer it? Our "reinvigorated forces" are stretched to their limit and beyond in Afghanistan.
  29. Bilderbergers beware you've robbed your last grave from Canada writes: With what...arrgh!! %$@%$ &* idiot!
  30. Robin Adams from Ottawa, Canada writes: So now apparently we get to "stabilise" the USA the next time they have a problem. Hurricane Katrina for example would give us theright to invade Louisiana.

    The corrollory is that when we host the Olympics the US will have the right to invade and "stabilise" British Columbia.

    sounds like a great deal...
  31. Haiden MitHand El from Canada writes: Having the military fight organized crime and money laundering? That's a big black hole. Peter -- you want to revise your gubmint' drug policies because clearly the War on (Some) Drugs isn't working.
  32. Summer of Discontent from Ottawa, Canada writes: Chris - the point of DART is to be a "rapid" force, which is incredibly ironic when we must wait for allies to let us use their planes, helicopters to transport our own forces (such as the tsunamai & hurricanes). We've only been able to send DART IF we could arrange transport through another military power... that is pathetic.

    Secondly, our reinvigorated forces can then intercept both foreign, illegal or even troubled ships off our coast. Currently, we're hard pressed to intercept anyone unless they land and let us know! Third, while we have strong links through NATO, NORAD we cannot kid ourselves that the US will not attempt (as they have already) to discredit and disclaim any Canadian sovereignty over the north. If we do not make significant strides to adept our CF to the north opening due to the melting ice flows, we can say goodbye to mineral and oil rights altogether.

    I am not saying Canada should pour all it's dollars into the military, like our southern neighbours do BUT rather it is welcome to upgrade and update our forces to at least a mininal operational level on the ground, air and sea. That is what I would believe McKay is referencing too rather than some idiotic buildup which we cannot sustain or afford.
  33. Hugo Hall from Calgary, Canada writes: Folks, you'll be hard-pressed to find a major Western democracy, regardless of ideology, that has neglected its military to the extent Canada has in the last 15 years or so. This investment is long overdue.
  34. J M from Realityville, Canada writes: Sounds like war on Iran to me.
  35. David Smith from Canada writes: What a pile of crap coming from the Defence Minister who just cancelled the much-needed support ship construction for the navy. Of course if they had left the GST alone rather than shaving that point off it, they could afford to replace the Provider and the Protecteur. But then again, we consumers wouldn't being enjoying the dramatic increase in our power as consumers with that wonderful tax saving.... well? Aren't you noticing it?
  36. Robin Adams from Ottawa, Canada writes: So what are the "many values" Mackay shares with the people of the Southern USA???

    Grits? Hurricanes?? Poverty? Trailerhomes??

    I'm really curious.
  37. Vern Johnson from Prince George, Canada writes: Mackay, who lied to David Orchard to selfishly advance his own political cause, is now pontificating from Banff about the "hemisphere"! How grand and noble is his vision!! Voter alert. Toss this guy out.

    He did not mention the 3 new Canadian fatalities ( and 5 seriously wounded!) this day in Afghanistan and how bankrupt Harper's policy has been there trying to ride two horses simultaneously, and wondering why our aid workers are targetted as well!

    And not one word condemning US air power in Afghanistan which killed 90 civilians as charged days ago by the UN.

    And, not one word about NATO's current policies re Poland, Ukraine and Georgia endangering east-west detente.

    And not one word connecting Saakashvili to The ICC in The Hague. I would remind Mr. Mackay that Canada is a signatory to the International Criminal Court and can lay independent indictments. Hundreds of dead (murdered) South Ossetians require justice to be served. Now.
  38. The Phantom from Canada writes:
    Without conscription there is very little more we could do to "help" kill people living in mud houses that no real capability of defending themselves. Invading Iran is out of the question. American and its lapdogs only ever attack countries that are totally defenseless. an attack on Iran would most likely be the end of civilization. Iran may not be able to strike America militarily, but it could easily lob a few missiles into the oil fields of Americas puppet regimes in the middle east, not to mention the price that would be paid by Israel. No, we are bully nations and we like our victims to be much much weaker than Iran is.
  39. G E from Ottawa, Canada writes: Michael Sharp, while I agree that having a well trained and well equipped defence force is necessary, the best defence is a strong democracy. Ethics and accountability play a big part. This is something you and the rest of Mr. Harper's rabid supporters seem to ignore. Peace is a good thing. Just try to understand that concept before posting your usual BS.
  40. Deeply concerned citizen from Canada writes: Meaning that we'll be the U.S's front line troops to quell any anti-american, anti-capitalist, anti-western governments since the U.S. is way too busy doing the same over seas. Hey, I mean the neo-cons need to find a use for us after all. This is all in line with the SPP.
  41. Robin Adams from Ottawa, Canada writes: So now the richest most powerful nation on earth needs Canada's expert advice and help in "stabilizing" the USA every time it has a problem. Apparently the $700 bil usd they spend a year isn't quite enough to cover expenses and we need to blow our treasury there.

    Funny thing is I don't hear any of the US pols asking for help.... if I didn't know better it would seem to be a purely Canadian Government initiative. Here's a suggestion... before we blow our treasury helping US hurricane victims (they have a lot) lets wait until Barack Obama or John McCain publically ask Canada for help! I want to hear them say that the USA needs Canada's expert help on the campaign trail because there's just some domestic things the US can't handle....
  42. John Brown from Maritimes, Canada writes: The one thing still lacking in our military for such an undertaking is qualified personnel. Recruitment is not bringing in the big numbers expected to fill those positions being vacated, in fact our current outflow is at an even pace with the intake and the military was short on people to begin with. Th CF topdog at the moment can not see beyond the end of his nose and is ignoring the advice of his senior element commanders to change the current policy of release for such cases as those on medical retention. The military can ill afford to lose all the expertise that will be gone within the next three years. They are at a point right now where they are promoting kids to fill senior supervisor positions, kids with just barely enough experience to wipe their own noses are now making decisions which are adversely effecting our operational committments. Wake up Pete, you are barking up the wrong tree. Notice how he can make dumb comments like this now that Rick is not around to keep him aware. Looks like old Walt may be a politicians dream afterall.
  43. Mike Witcher from montreal, Canada writes: Why is it that the politicians never outline exactly what we need protection from? What is it?
    Al-Qaida? Or maybe protection from the Americans when they come for our water and oil? Protection from global warming?

    Personally, I think we should unite to protect ourselves from sexually transmitted diseases.
  44. Mac the Knife from Canada writes: Scott Thomas says: "In other words, Canada plans to have more of our boys die for reasons that are not clear. "
    ---------------------------
    Now that's a bit of a stretch, Scott. Someone beam Scottie away....
  45. steve allan from Canada writes: Defending the Western hemisphere?? Against who I might ask???

    The biggest threat facing the world is ---- the Western hemisphere, well actually the United States pretending it represents the interest of the West.

    How is McKay proposing to defend us against out-of-control and aggressive American neo-imperialism?
  46. The Phantom from Canada writes:
    Maybe Mackay and Harper plan to destroy Canada in order to save Canada????
  47. Mac the Knife from Canada writes: For most of the time the Liberals were in power in the last few decades, Canada shamelessly got a free ride militarily, reducing our armed forces to a skeleton outfit, yet counting on American protection should any danger present itself. That two-faced conduct disgusts me. Now we're pulling a little bit more of our weight, which, of course, offends the mewling libs.
  48. so, what from and beyond, Canada writes: Mac the Knife from Canada writes: For most of the time the Liberals were in power in the last few decades, Canada shamelessly got a free ride militarily, reducing our armed forces to a skeleton outfit, yet counting on American protection should any danger present itself. That two-faced conduct disgusts me. Now we're pulling a little bit more of our weight, which, of course, offends the mewling libs.
    ____

    AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.....you and Mckay are killin me....HAHAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
  49. Dan Green from Palm Beach Gardens FL, United States writes: Some comments here about other Nato countries, chipping in. Nato is obsolete. Was only viable, when there was no conflict, just put on a blue helmut, and burn some gasoline, driving around for the benefit of the news media.
  50. steve allan from Canada writes: Mac the Knife from Canada - hey buddy, put a cork in it. I think I speak for the vast majority of Canadians when I say that!

    The U.S. has never, not ONCE, in our 130 years ever had to come to our defence. The only time we were invaded was when the Americans invaded us!

    We spend too much money on defence, not too little. If you can tell me what enemy we are supposed to be protected against, I'd be happy to hear it? Otherwise, PUT A CORK IN IT and stop repeating ad nauseum that nonsense you read in the Sun newspapers!
  51. Chris Halford from Ottawa, Canada writes: Summer of Discontent from Ottawa - I agree that the military is long overdue for investment. However, we should not be signing on to be a major defender of the Western Hemisphere - we do not have the resources to do that and we are not getting sufficient support from our NATO allies. As to defending our sovereignty - that's a totally different issue from defending the Western Hemisphere. We need new icebreakers ordered now and for delivery long before 2017 or whenever it is that the "Dief" is going to be delivered. I don't see us patrolling the arctic with aluminum hulled frigates and Harper just cancelled whatever other vessels he was going to buy for up there. We should beef up our presence up there but we obviously cannot outgun the Americans or the Russians if it came to a fight - our best hope is a small but always present force with adequate icebreaking capacity and force other nations to openly violate our territorial waters rather than being able to charge through whenever they want. Anyway, I don't think this is what MacKay was talking about, it's a red herring you have brought up.
  52. Robin Adams from Ottawa, Canada writes: There is nothing "neo" about US Imperialism. Its been a hallmark of the US since it was constituted. For a lengthy discussion on the topic listen to a US professor discuss it.

    http://www.bu.edu/phpbin/buniverse/videos/view/?id=224

    Canadian history is more appropriately about being in the service of Imperial power.
  53. Anthony B from Maritimes, Canada writes: One more step towards North American integration.

    When you hear McKay say "I will never merge Canada with the US," you'll know it's a done deal.
  54. Chris Halford from Ottawa, Canada writes: Dan Green from Palm Beach Gardens FL, United States - As I understand it, NATO is supposed to be the organization that protects us in the West. Might I ask you if it's not NATO that should be doing that job, who is it? Just a minute, it's the USA of course! The US has really defended us in Iraq for example, things are so much better since Dubya charged in there! The USA always thinks about its allies before it thinks of its own interests, yeah right!
  55. Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: Funny how Canadian "progressives" of today have so much in common with the ultra-conservative isolationists of pre-WWII US. That would explain why Maude Barlowe appeared before the press a few months back with an obscure conservative Republican Congressman, warning us of the impending NAFTA Superhighway. When did the progressives get their ideological wires so crossed? Or were they always like that?
  56. evelyn robinson from Canada writes: They cancelled the ships and coast guard ships. What we gonna protect us with. All the money went for Afghanistan war toys.
  57. The Iconoclast from Canada writes: Whatever happened to our once proud peace-keeping role?
  58. Mikey from the GWN ___ from Canada writes: Chris Halford,

    "However, we should not be signing on to be a major defender of the Western Hemisphere - we do not have the resources to do that"

    Yet we DO have a major portion of the resources in the Western Hemisphere. So we either need to defend our resources - either someone will take them from us or what do we have to give up to an ally to defend them for us?

    "I don't see us patrolling the arctic with aluminum hulled frigates and Harper just cancelled whatever other vessels he was going to buy for up there."

    Nope - they withdrew the contracts for the supply/oiler ships and the Canadian Coast Guard in shore patrol boats. Stand by for new RFPs.

    The Canadian Navy's Arctic/off shore patrol ships are still on track

    http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/cmsnews/newse.asp?id=617

    CHeers

    Mikey
  59. Jack Robinson from London, Canada writes: So our hawk-faced Defense Minister savant, clearly in election agit-prop mode, sez Canada will assume 'a greater role in defending the Western Hemisphere'... while failing to specifically identify any actual threats to our sovereign lands and shores.

    And while his references to Hurricane Katrina (!) and the upcoming Olympics are ingenuous rationales for more U.S. partnered military spending... given the prospects of a Cyborg Caesar majority resulting from the impending Ides of October idiocy... the New Rome manifesto will likely include a Hadrian's Wall of Boeing-built missiles in Yellowknife.
  60. david sandford from Canada writes: Summer of Discontent from Ottawa, Canada writes: Critical posters here are absolutely pathetic.

    Here is an example: Hurricane Katrina hit and what could Canada offer for assistance? Medical staff several weeks later and money to assist in humanitarian relief.

    you're a dolt and a revisionist.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CanadianresponsetoHurricaneKatrina
  61. Mac the Knife from Canada writes: So, what from and beyond (huh?) writes: "AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.....you and Mckay are killin me....HAHAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
    -------------
    Pretty close to mewling, I'd say.... Or is he just 12 years old?
  62. Jo Blo from as far from Toronto as possible, Canada writes: Sounds like this is all under the NATO flag, and NATO is the front that masquerades for expansion of US hegemony. In other words, Canada will be a vassal state of the US. NATO should have ceased to exist shortly after Russia became capitalist. Instead, it now represents a block of countries that's is positioning itselft against another forming block of countries, as they each try to vie for shrinking natural resources, especially oil. The UN was created to avoid the formation of competing blocks of countries, and to allow them to air their differences in public; the first world war is an example where a spark (Austria/Serbia) ignited a chain reaction that pit both blocks into a world war. The UN has been sidelined by the US, and each side is pushing their view of things through unquestioning private media interests that blurt out each side's propaganda. MacKay should start looking at our own backyard. The Americans don't recognize our sovereignty over Arctic waters, and they even seem to reserve the right to plunder any possible oil from beneath the waters between the Arctic Archipaelago. It's been proven over and over again that friendship with the US does not guarantee that they won't reneg on treaties and obligations and stab you in the back (softwood lumber anyone?).
  63. Mikey from the GWN ___ from Canada writes: The Iconoclast,

    "Whatever happened to our once proud peace-keeping role?"

    I believe you mean "Whatever happened to our once proud peace-keeping myth?"

    CHeers

    Mikey
  64. Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: As for the cry-babies still whining about MacKay's "sellout", get over it. I'm no MacKay fan, but Orchard got suckered, plain and simple. If he was foolish and arrogant enough to think he could impose his will on the entire party and forever prevent a merger, then it's no wonder he joined Team Dion with the rest of the bumblers. (Even Dion couldn't wait to get rid of him - vetoing Orchard's candidacy in a recent byelection and appointing a replacement). As I recall, MacKay had also promised a "re-evaluation of the FTA and NAFTA" on that little hand-scribbled note that Orchard gave him to sign. Did Orchard seriously believe he was going to launch a re-think of the Tory party's crown jewel? They were still making speeches bragging about the FTA and NAFTA at the 2003 leadership convention for krissakes! And Orchard figures he's going to turn the entire party around based on a handshake and a hand-scribbled note at that same convention? MacKay made use of the dope and then threw him away. You'd think David O. would be used to it by now.
  65. Fungal Fred from Canada writes: That's nice to know we're going to defend Cuba and Venezuala. After all, they're in the western hemisphere.

    Oh, what happens if one western hemisphere country attacks another. Can we send soldiers to both countries? Do we need to order some pinnies for our troops so they can tell who's on who's team?

    Oh yes, someone mentioned DART. Back in the 2006 election, Harper promised "doubling the size and capacity of the Disaster Assistance Response Team to enable enhanced international disaster relief capability." Have they done that yet?
  66. Alex M. from Toronto, Canada writes: Yep, Canada is already Eastern hemisphere, in the war in Afghanistan - to facilitate the cultivation and smuggling of heroin out of it. American Gangster, the movie, showed us why the military goes to these places at all - so the generals can test new weapons and make $$$ smuggling illiegal drugs back to their home country. Now it's time to move on to the Western hemisphere and help bring more Colombian coke to our diet. Canada is a joke of country with no national policy other than what is dictated from Washington, DC. That's why we are watching the US election so closely. We know where the real decision makers reside.
    We should spent more $$$ on integrating immigrants, housing for the poor, decent living and education for natives, better, cheaper health coverage. The security paranoia in North America has nothing to do with real terrorist threats. 9/11 was in inside job, a false-flag operation to scare the taxpayer into sinking more $$$ into unnecessary military expenditures, and ignore citizens' real needs. Canada only has one major threat - the US and it's neocon paranoid government.
  67. Matt Stiles from Vancouver, Canada writes: As long as by "defending the western hemisphere" he means "Canadians defending Canada," I'm fine with this.

    But that assumes a lot.
  68. Jo Blo from as far from Toronto as possible, Canada writes: Fungal Fred from Canada writes: "Oh, what happens if one western hemisphere country attacks another. Can we send soldiers to both countries? Do we need to order some pinnies for our troops so they can tell who's on who's team?"

    It's happened before under NATO. Greece and Turkey, both members of NATO, have been at war with each other. NATO will not prevent member states from attacking each other, and will not intervene. If Ukraine was part of NATO, and it was at war with Poland, how would NATO react? Would it pick sides?
  69. Badges? We don't need no stinking badges from Canada writes: Don't worry about organized crime, or Afghanistan MacKay. Concentrate the military on the Arctic and the North-West passage.
  70. Mac the Knife from Canada writes: Steve Allan writes: "Mac the Knife from Canada - hey buddy, put a cork in it. I think I speak for the vast majority of Canadians when I say that!" And then he goes on to declare that not once in 130 years has the USA ever defended Canada.
    -------------------------------

    First of all, guy, I'll wait till I hear from the "vast majority of Canadians" before I accept that you speak on their behalf. Secondly, since my point has cruised over your head, I'll explain in more detail. With our tiny armed forces (and this goes back through the Cold War, too) what could Canada have possibly contributed to her own defence in the event of an attack? The defence of Canada and the US would have fallen on the shoulders of the USA and Canada was counting on that while chintzing on military contributions. To make my point more clear, I'm talking about "if" Canada had needed defending, which it very well could have, and I think you know that. The fact that it hasn't happened yet doesn't change anything. As for putting a cork in it....don't make me laugh.
  71. iPhone from Canada writes: Please god, give us an election... the least we can hope for is an electoral defeat for Mr. MacKay.
  72. P Scott from Canada writes: ...because we must be SCARED of the enemies!!! Where have I heard all this rhetoric before?
  73. Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: The Iconoclast from Canada writes: "Whatever happened to our once proud peace-keeping role?"

    Well, the world changed, and the conflicts we typically see now no longer lend themselves to peacekeeping. Essentially, peacekeeping became obsolete. That's what happened. I could go on to explain that in order to peacekeep, you need an actual peace agreement between two countries first. Otherwise, there is no peace to keep. Since most of today's conflicts are ethnic-nationalist, religious, or tribal in nature, there are no longer the clear lines between country X and country Y. Most conflicts are not between actual countries at all. Many warring factions don't even have a government representing them? How do we go about peacekeeping in such situations? Who signs the peace agreement on behalf of the warring parties? Who agrees to allowing peacekeepers to oversee the agreement? It's easy to prattle on about our "traditional peacekeeping role", but that role became obsolete before our very eyes in the 1990s. Don't take my word for it. Ask the Canadians who fought in the Battle of Medak Pocket in Croatia in 1993. Ask the Canadians who served in Somalia that same year. Ask those who served in Rwanda in 1994, and Bosnia from 1992-95. They'll tell you how well traditional peacekeeping worked.
  74. Chris Halford from Ottawa, Canada writes: Mikey from the GWN - we certainly do have resources, so does the UAE. I may be wrong but I don't think that the UAE's armed forces are that spectacular. "Stand by for new RFPs." - they're not coming before this election and probably not afterwards because there is no money to buy the goods since Flaherty spent it. It's interesting to note that the CPC feel that funding a CFL team in Quebec City (which cannot support an NHL team) is more important than supporting the arts in Atlantic Canada. Of course, the CPC has more hope of gaining seats in Quebec than it does in Atlantic Canada.
  75. The Phantom from Canada writes:
    War is Peace.
  76. Mikey from the GWN ___ from Canada writes: P Scott,

    "...because we must be SCARED of the enemies!!!"

    Nope. The enemies must be scared of us. At least just enough that they believe we aren't worth messing with. See Switzerland or Sweden

    CHeers

    Mikey
  77. Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: Alex M, precisely how do we get cheaper healthcare by spending more on it? Think about that sentence for a minute. Oh, and 9-11 was an inside job? Really? Are you really that stupid, or are you just pretending? Please tell me, I'm fascinated.
  78. Alex M. from Toronto, Canada writes: Develop nuclear weapons and point it at Washington DC, and London City, where the international bankers ruling the White House through control of the Federal Reserve reside.
  79. Chris Halford from Ottawa, Canada writes: Mac the Knife from Canada - we have more trouble with the US making free in our territorial waters (and doing what they like in the North) than we do with other countries doing anything to us.
  80. West Coast Not West from Canada writes: The problem with this is that we do not know what kind of weapons to defend against when the Martians come and attack us. The fact that they are coming for us is a sure thing, because, you know, they hate our freedom and democracy and stuff. Not to worry though, the Leader will protect us if only we give him unquestioning power.
  81. Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: Alex M, who exactly controls the Federal Reserve? Would that be the Bilderberg Group? Or the Council on Foreign Relations? The Trilateral Commission and the Rockefellers perhaps? Or maybe all those organizations are really just puppets of the Masons and the Zionists. Are THEY the ones who pulled off 9-11? Wow, you've really got it all figured out don't you?
  82. Mac the Knife from Canada writes: Chris Halford....I think, now that we have for so long demonstrated that we're not capable of defending ourselves, that if the USA (and don't forget Denmark and other arctic nations) feels free to stray into our waters, then it's ourselves we should blame, not the USA, et al.
  83. Mikey from the GWN ___ from Canada writes: Chris Halford,

    "we certainly do have resources, so does the UAE. I may be wrong but I don't think that the UAE's armed forces are that spectacular."

    You might want to rethink that. The UAE has 388 tanks and 148 fighter aircraft, 30 Apache helicopters and 12 Chinooks and the list goes on

    And all to defend an area smaller than the Maritimes.

    Canada has 40 tanks, 80 fighter aircraft, no Apaches or Chinooks etc

    CHeers

    Mikey
  84. tom johnson from Toronto, Canada writes: MACKAY IS A LIAR AND A DOLT....PERIOD. SADLY WITH EMERSON QUITING (RATHER THAN FACE THE VOTERS IN HIS RIDING LIKE HE SAID HE WOULD) ELMER JR IS THE CREAM OF THE CRAP PARTY...SAD.
    VOTE ABC FOLKS.
    OUT WITH HARPO AND IS GANG OF BULLIES, THUGS AND LIARS.
  85. Winston Smith from Canada writes: Worry about defending arctic sovereignty first before the rest of the western hemisphere, Mr. McKay.
  86. Liam Smith from Canada writes: Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    And if you don't think the western hemisphere needs defending then peace, love, dope to you.

    The emphasis being on dope.

    ------------------------------------

    Always the first to post, always the dumbest.

    However, I was in Victoria a couple of months ago and man, it was chaos!! Tourists bumping into each other all over the place. Street kids loitering! The occasional cluster bomb! Craziness!
  87. tom johnson from Toronto, Canada writes: Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: Alex M, precisely how do we get cheaper healthcare by spending more on it? Think about that sentence for a minute. Oh, and 9-11 was an inside job? Really? Are you really that stupid, or are you just pretending? Please tell me, I'm fascinated.

    Small things amuse small minds Alistar.
  88. Mac the Knife from Canada writes: Winston Smith says: "Worry about defending arctic sovereignty first before the rest of the western hemisphere, Mr. McKay."
    --------------------

    Well, let's give McKay and the Tories some credit in between all the block-letter rants about "bullies, thugs and liars." At least they are, in fact, doing something about defending Arctic sovereignty. They are funding eight armed Polar Class 5 patrol vessels to cruise our northern waters. They're also building an Arctic deep-water port for these ships to operate out of. As well, they'll be introducing a military presence (such as it is after decades of neglect) to the north. Harper has stated, "Canada has a choice when it comes to defending our sovereignty over the Arctic...either we use it or we lose it...and make no mistake — this government intends to use it." So far it's modest, but at least it's a step in the right direction.
  89. Troubled Youth from Everywhere, Canada writes: Ah, a proud day to be Canadian. Thanks surrender monkeys. Your grand selfish nits and your self satisfied pride in your own ignorance and narrow mindedness no longer appalls me. Your not worth defending and any fool dumb enough to enter the service of the government deserves your pettiness and gross disrespect. Not out of Afghanistan. Out of the army. Out of the C.A.F. Let the gutless fend for themselves.
  90. Gossipy Busybody from Canada writes: "The Defence Minister's remarks came as word emerged out of Afghanistan that three more Canadian soldiers were killed, but Mr. MacKay did not offer any immediate comment on the deaths."

    In other words, MacKay was sticking to the PMO script on defence... and the deaths of three soldiers weren't important enough for him to bother talking about them.
  91. G. Veneta from Calgary, Canada writes: The Western hemisphere needs only to be protected from the wrack and ruin of the extreme right wing ideologues who have hijacked the politics of the continent.

    A con free continent will be one strong and free.
  92. Mac the Knife from Canada writes: Gossipy Busybody....."In other words, MacKay was sticking to the PMO script on defence... and the deaths of three soldiers weren't important enough for him to bother talking about them."
    ----------------
    Well, that's one take on it. Prove it's the only one....
  93. Mac the Knife from Canada writes: G. Veneta....last time I looked, the Conservatives didn't hijack anything, they were elected by Canadian voters. Looks like they might just pull it off again, too.
  94. Liam Smith from Canada writes: Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: The Iconoclast from Canada writes: "Whatever happened to our once proud peace-keeping role?"

    Well, the world changed, and blah blah blah . . .

    You maybe forgot the part in which we (actually the US, but what's the difference at this point) started the war by retaliating to attacks on US soil. Now, if you consider for a moment that there is no nation on the planet that can put a serious dent the US armed forces then you might think that a military reaction was an over-reaction. One thing that you seem to have in common with your lover (America) is that lack of introspective contemplation.

    Oh yeah, and Alex M may be a little deluded about the 9-11 conspiracy (which has been systematically refuted at this point) but at least he's trying to looking outside the box. Plus, he's right on about Vietnam as a heroin war. It many of America's richest families (not the new ones, but the Old Money) made their riches from a lucrative opium trade. That info is not hard to find.

    By the way, why are you always such an a$$?
  95. Chris Halford from Ottawa, Canada writes: Mikey from the GWN ___ - I sit corrected.

    Mac the Knife from Canada - We've wandered a long way from Canada doing more to protect the Western Hemisphere.
  96. Chris Halford from Ottawa, Canada writes: Mac the Knife from Canada writes: G. Veneta....last time I looked, the Conservatives didn't hijack anything, they were elected by Canadian voters. Looks like they might just pull it off again, too.
    ---------------------------------
    Unfortunately true. As I have pointed out before, it took Ontario voters two terms to realise just how awful Mike Harris was - hard to believe. Even harder to believe is that there's a good chance that Harper will get back in despite evidence that it's a bad idea.
  97. Mac the Knife from Canada writes: Chris Halford...I'm glad you said "we," since it was your comment I was responding to. On the other hand, it's in the nature of discussions to wander a bit from the central topic.
  98. C to the D from T-dot, Canada writes: Liam Smith from Canada writes: Alistair McLaughlin from Canada writes: The Iconoclast from Canada writes: "Whatever happened to our once proud peace-keeping role?" Well, the world changed, and blah blah blah . . . You maybe forgot the part in which we (actually the US, but what's the difference at this point) started the war by retaliating to attacks on US soil. Now, if you consider for a moment that there is no nation on the planet that can put a serious dent the US armed forces then you might think that a military reaction was an over-reaction. One thing that you seem to have in common with your lover (America) is that lack of introspective contemplation. --------------------- I LOVE that. "You maybe forgot the part in which we ... started the war by retaliating to attacks on US soil." WE started the war by RETALIATING. Wow, thanks for clearing that up. Another gem: "One thing that you seem to have in common with your lover (America) is that lack of introspective contemplation". Smug AND anti-American - wow, there's a shock. You put the two together and what do you get? The state of the Canadian left: a$$-backwards, smug and anti-American. THIS is why the Tories are ahead by 8 points. C.
  99. Kevin Wells from United States writes:
    Good news.
    • Posted 03/09/08 at 6:03 PM EST |