Canadian Leaders React Guardedly to ‘Brexit’ (Well, Most of Them Do)
'In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took a diplomatic approach on Friday to the outcome of Britain’s referendum.
“The U.K. and the E.U. are important strategic partners for Canada, with whom we enjoy deep historical ties and common values,” Mr. Trudeau said in a statement. “We will continue to build relations with both parties as they forge a new relationship.”
Referendums on separation from political and economic relationships are a particularly sensitive topic in Canada, given Quebec’s history. And before Britain’s vote, Mr. Trudeau made it clear that he wanted Britain to remain in the European Union. As recently as Wednesday, Mr. Trudeau urged the British not to leave.
“I’ve made no bones about the fact that I always believed that we are stronger together,” he told a news conference.
That view appeared to be the consensus among Canadian politicians who are not members of Quebec separatist parties. But Jason Kenney, a high-profile Conservative and potential successor to former Prime Minister Stephen Harper as that party’s leader, broke away on Friday and celebrated the British decision to quit the union.'>>>
http://www.nytimes.com/live/eu-referendum/guarded-reaction-in-canada/