Max's Mewsings

So, why are the Americans so annoyed? It isn't because we were going to defray any of the cost of the program - they didn't want that. It isn't because they need any Canadian technology to make it work. All they wanted was the nod from Canada - a political commitment to the shared defence of North America. But after saying he wanted "a seat at the table" as he was running for the leadership of his party, Mr. Martin dragged his decision out over a year, implying support one day then denying it the next, until finally telling the American Ambassador (he couldn't even get up the gumption to tell President Bush directly) that Canada wouldn't sign on.

The whole episode it reminiscent of High School dating. John likes Jane. Jane gives John excuse after excuse why they can't date now, but doesn't rule it out in the future. John bides his time, increasingly frustrated by the mixed messages coming from Jane, but she continues to lead him on. Finally she drops the bombshell ("Sorry, John, I just don't feel that way.") and cannot understand why John is upset.

What's worse, the Canadian reasons for not offering support for the Missile Defense scheme are difficult to understand.

The primary argument is that Canada will not support the weaponisation of space. It is a noble sentiment, but that bridge has already been crossed. All intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) travel through space to get to their target - we did not have a problem with them, so it is a bit late for us to find religion now. To a rational person, this inconsistent position is confusion.

Adding to the confusion is that Canada seems to think that, though it does not support the program, it should have a say in whether missiles are launched over Canadian air space. First of all, if Missile Defense is indeed the weaponisation of space, then the weapon will not be in Canadian air space, but in space which is not anyone's territory. Second, it is absurd to suggest that the US President call the Prime Minister to see if it is okay for him to defend his country against an attack. If a hostile missile is headed for North America, decision makers will only have a matter of minutes to make the decision to launch an interceptor missile - so there would be no time for consultation. Finally, if the US does launch an interceptor without Canadian consent, what will we do about it? Recall our Ambassador? Send the army to try to take out the interceptor with their hand grenades?

The other thing Americans cannot understand is how Canadians will not support a system that will protect them. Only the most naïve believe Canada is somehow impervious to attack and even the most cynical would agree that if we were attacked, the US would be do everything it could to help us defend ourselves. Even without our support, the United States will launch one of their interceptor missiles if another country lobs one of their missiles at Canada. That is what friends do.

So, it's a pretty comfy position for Paul Martin - we'll be defended, he gets to keep his caucus happy. The Americans are right: He is just looking for a free ride.

Further Reading:
Bush won't call PM (National Post)
Martin misfires on U.S. missiles (Toronto Star)
Canada takes a free ride on military (Wall Street Journal - via The Star)
O, Canada! (John Gibson, Fox News)
Condoleezza Rice's trip to Canada back on: report (CTV News)
Martin firm on missiles (Toronto Star)