For far too long now the United States has been hogging all of the claims to feeling humiliated by its federal government. It's long overdue that Canada steps up. Here's an update from Jerry West at Rabble:
On Kyoto:
At the recent climate change conference in Nairobi, world leaders were highly critical of Canada's back pedaling on its Kyoto commitments and were not favourably impressed with the performance of Environment Minister Rona Ambrose.
On trade disputes:
Soon after taking office, the new government changed tactics in the softwood dispute and caved in to U.S. pressure to settle on terms favourable to the Americans. This, after Canada has won almost every case on the issue brought before the courts. One has to wonder which country Stephen Harper and his cabinet ministers are working for.
On fisheries (see also here)
Recently, Canada has refused to join other nations, including the United Kingdom, in banning the practice of bottom trawling or dragging. This fishing method strips the sea bottom of most life, resulting in tonnes of unwanted by-catch that is wasted. It has been characterized as rape of the sea and it is an embarrassment that we do not join with other responsible nations in putting an end to it.
Canada, especially in regards to environmental policy, needs to set an example, not be a lapdog of corporate flat-earthers.
Then, of course, there is the whole "nation within nation" non sequitur from the Reform Conservative government. Makes you kind of wonder if there is a leader within the leader:
Do Quebecers form a nation within a united Canada? The answer is yes. Do the Quebecois form an independent nation? The answer is no, and will always be no," Harper said.
What can that possibly mean? Is it possible to form a nation that is not independent? I suppose we could refer to specific culture and language (certainly in the case of the first nations this applies) but within the explosive context of the issue of Quebec sovereignty this is simply a twisting of the language for political gain that is enormously irresponsible and short-sighted along with blatant pandering to the Quebec electorate.
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