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February 24, 2004

In examining the performance of Mr. Martin only after three months, it has become quite clear that public policy ideas that are brought forth are always spoken about in ambiguous generalities and rarely implemented as promised.

When this lack of direction crosses over into the realm of compromising Canadian sovereignty, especially in reference to the United States, it is time for all Canadians to stand up and take notice.  Of course, as the above-linked article points out, this will only be possible after voters have gone to the polls.

Innocuous "low-hanging fruit" policy issues are what will be on the agenda, as described by one US official.  Such things as additional steps to jointly fight bio-terrorism and build cross-border infrastructure, to closer co-operation on areas like pharmaceutical oversight, food safety standards and e-commerce regulation, will begin the discussions.

This will not be harmonization for the sake of greater efficiency in administration between the two countries, however.  Already, talk of missiles being hosted on Canadian soil has prompted a Bloc Quebecois motion calling for the stoppage of negotiations with the US on the proposed missile defence shield.  So far, 2 Liberal MPs plan to break ranks and vote with the Bloc.

The path of integration will become a snowball that Mr. Martin cannot dodge.  If he is willing to take policy and governance direction from George W. Bush, then at least let the Canadian public know of these plans before calling an election.

Comments? jonathan@tdhstrategies.com