Ottawa pushes to sell energy, wood to China

[CHIMO]

OTTAWA — Less than a week after Prime Minister Paul Martin publicly raised the spectre of energy restrictions as a lever in the Canada-U.S. softwood lumber dispute, the federal government is launching an aggressive push to sell energy and wood to China.

Under the Bush administration, the United States has officially re-classified China as a "strategic competitor." In conservative circles in Washington, China is increasingly viewed as the United States' next great economic and military rival.

Mr. McCallum, asked whether the Canadian government has any concerns about how his foray to Beijing might be perceived in Washington, said that whatever the U.S. view of China may be, "Canada's policy is that we have a strategic partnership with China."

Last month, amid little fanfare, the Prime Minister and Chinese President Hu Jintao officially elevated Canada's relationship to a "strategic partnership." That puts Canada in a category that includes the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Russia, India, Brazil and the European Union.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20051011.wxxchina11/BNStory/National/

[phantom power]

1. Sounds like Canada paid attention to the Economics Nobel laureats

(and BushCo ignored them)

[Canadian Socialist]

2. About freaking time!

So, Mr. Dithers made a decision. I hope Jack backs him as well as the BQ; that should be paid to the CPCs hopes of election. I also hope that we get the hell out of NAFTA. What's the point? No matter what decision the arbitration board brings down, if it comes out not in favour of the U.S., they just ignore it. Some partnership!

[whosinpower]

4. We don't have to get out of Nafta

The Americans have already broken the treaty....via refusing to adhere to repeated softwood lumber issues that were arbitrated in Canada's favor - time and time again. So - in essence - NAFTA is already dead.

[Canadian Socialist]

6. IIRC the signers of the treaty need to give 6 months notice

of withdrawal. Otherwise, we're still in.

[whosinpower]

8. You still trying to play by the rules

Under George W. Bush - THERE ARE NO RULES.

[tocqueville]

3. is Canada to be invaded now ?

[Canadian Socialist]

5. Are you suggesting that the U.S. might invade Canada?

It is to laugh. First off, it's going on winter here. Second, the world outcry would surely stop it. Third, I don't think the U.S. can invade a fellow NATO member. Just sayin'

Of course, we DO have weapons of mass destruction e.g. poutine, hockey and our beer.:rofl:

[whosinpower]

7. They already have

Invaded Canada - just not with bombs and troops.

And the world outcry would stop nothing.
And if the US decided to attack Canada directly with their military might - there would be nothing NATO could do about it. Don't you get it? The US will honor committments that favor the US - and if it no longer favors the US - then ALL BETS ARE OFF. The Iraq war and NAFTA should of taught you that.

[Canadian Socialist]

9. I don't know, whosinpower

It sounds rather far-fetched. I honestly don't think that the U.S. would try to invade Canada. Because they would have no rational reason to. I know that we have the resources to supply the U.S. for many, many years. But, really, do you think the Bushies would use that as an excuse? We are too close to the U.S. We aren't Iraq/Afganistan. We are your neighbours and friends. I really don't think this will fly with the U.S. population.

[whosinpower]

10. What I am suggesting

Is that whatever the US wants from Canada - they already get. So, you are probably correct that it is too far fetched at this moment in time.

And I am also suggesting that the US has such economic power over Canada, that we have basically ceded our right to independance. I am suggesting that the US has infiltrated Canada socially, economically and culturally already.

So - they don't need to bomb us.....they already own most of Canada now. How many corporations already have American parent companies?

Sure, we did not join them in the Iraq crusade. Big deal. What has Canada done to bring to light the unlawfulness of the Iraq crusade? Even Kofi Anan postulated that it was illegal and went against the UN charter. What has Canada done to protect its citizens from being shipped over to middle eastern nations via the US to be held indefinately and tortured?

We (Canada) are like gnats on an elephants back. We ride at our pleasure and our risk. I put nothing past the GOP. If they felt that Canada was no longer playing their game, by their rules, for their benefit........all bets are off. And make no mistake - the GOP propeganda machine could swing into full force and the tide of US sentiment would not remain as Canada being a good friend and ally.

I cannot trust the goodwill of the planet for our own security, nor should I trust the goodwill of the American public - for in reality, they do not have a voice in government. It has been taken over.