Reopen missile defence: Harper

[CHIMO]

HALIFAX—Conservative Leader Stephen Harper says he's ready to reopen the debate over Canadian participation in the American missile defence system.

The missile defence initiative, combined yesterday with a Harper pledge to turn his back on the Kyoto accord and his refusal to endorse a $5 billion deal for aboriginal aid, could signal the type of major policy realignment Canadians can expect under a Harper government.

In an interview with Radio-Canada yesterday, Harper pledged a free vote in the House of Commons on the controversial proposal to join the missile defence program.

Harper said if the Americans made another proposal and "if we come to the conclusion that it's in the country's best interests, it's my intention to turn this treaty over to Parliament for a free vote."

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1137107417559&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968793972154

Looking like it's the same old song.

[Spazito]

1. Hmmm, it is interesting, Harper, in the last few days is saying

things that may well remind Canadians why they rejected him last time ie Kyoto, MDS. Is this simply his arrogance in assuming he has the election in the bag. It wouldn't surprise me because he is very, very arrogant. Now that he is the perceived front runner, he is now the focus of the media and his arrogance becomes noticeable. Ten days left, still time to remind Canadians why they didn't want him last time.

[Canadian_moderate]

2. He must not want a majority

Either that or he's an idiot for going there.

[daleo]

3. This surprises me

He must assume most of the compliant media will bury this (it wasn't in the Globe today, not sure about Canwest), and similar stories. If only The Star reports this stuff, he can use it for cover later, when he reveals his real agenda (assuming he is elected). I assume he has written off Toronto anyway.

[CHIMO]

6. And

Some more from the Star.

[CHIMO]

7. Harper not bound by Liberal initiatives

Harper not bound by Liberal initiativesBy BRIAN LAGHI
Friday, January 13, 2006 Page A6
With reports from Daniel Leblanc and Canadian Press

He also told Radio-Canada that a Conservative government would consult Parliament about whether Canada should join the U.S. missile-defence system, although he would wait for a formal, written offer from the Americans.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20060113/ELXNHARPERSB13/TPNational/Canada

It's there but nobody is jumping on it.

[Mother Jones]

4. He's burying this story

By announcing that there will be no cuts to social spending, shortly after this came out.

[AX10]

5. Sadly, Canadians might still be fooled into voting this SOB in.