Senator John McCain Sends the Right Message to Canada
On June 20, 2008, I attended the the Economic Club of Canada luncheon featuring Senator John McCain, the presumptive Repulican nominee for the President of the United States. His message is a stark contrast to the messages of Senators Clinton and Obama who both indicated that they would force Canada to renegotiate NAFTA. Senator John McCain praised Canada, Canadian hockey Great Wayne Gretsky, Canadian basketball player Steve Nash, the benefits of NAFTA, the strong trading relationship, the strong friendship between the two countries, Canada's contributions to and sacrifices during the war in Afghanistan, Canad's humanitarian contributions in Iraq and Haiti, and Canada's generousity to American stranded at airports during the dark hours of 9-11. He reached out his hands in friendship and this is a welcome change.
Some of the most memorable moments include:
- What a blessing it is for the United States to have in Canada a neighbor we fear only on ice rinks and baseball diamonds.
- ...for all the successes of NAFTA, we have to defend it without equivocation in political debate, because it is critical to the future of so many Canadian and American workers and businesses. Demanding unilateral changes and threatening to abrogate an agreement that has increased trade and prosperity is nothing more than retreating behind protectionist walls. If I am elected president, have no doubt that America will honor its international commitments -- and we will expect the same of others.
- Since NAFTA was concluded, it has contributed to strong job growth and flourishing trade. Since the agreement was signed, the United States has added 25 million jobs and Canada more than 4 million. Cross-border trade has more than doubled since NAFTA came into force. We have established North America as the world's largest economic market and the integration of our economies has led to greater competitiveness of American and Canadian businesses.
- Many Canadians have objected to the policies of the United States in dealing with terrorists, and with enemy combatants held at the Guantanamo prison. It happens that I also regard the prison at Guantanamo as a liability in the cause against violent radical extremism, and as president I would close it.
- There are areas where the United States can learn a great deal from your experience. Beginning in 1995, Canada did the hard work to put its fiscal house in order. You reduced spending and brought the budget from deficit to surplus. However, unlike your free-spending neighbor to the south, Canada continued to run budget surpluses even while cutting its corporate and personal tax rates. Lower taxes and spending restraint is a philosophy we should import from Canada.
For the fuull text of his prepared speech, please click on the following link to Canada's Globe & Mail newspaper online - http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080620.wmccaintext0620/BNStory/Front
