Foreign Policy

Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin: Don’t dictate To Me United States

December 15, 2005 ⋅  E-Mail Article ⋅  Print Article ⋅ Post a comment

Canada is talking tough to the U.S., but will anyone really put up their dukes and come to blows in this issue?

Canada is now playing the heavy to American politicians by stating to Washington that they cannot dictate to him what he will discuss during his election campaign. Prime Minister Paul Martin utilized very direct words for the United States on Wednesday, decisively advising Washington not to dictate to him what topics he can raise in his Canadian Prime Minister election campaign.

Prime Minister Paul Martin has regularly tried to beat up the U.S. on its stances regarding the bilateral trade dispute over softwood lumber, and Washington’s approach to climate change. This time Prime Minister Martin has taken aim at U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins by warning him for a second consecutive day that he will not be dictated to by American politicians, or the Bush administration.

Many say that Ambassador Wilkins, who warned Canadian politicians on Tuesday not to bash the United States as part of their campaigning, is the flashpoint for this issue. They have accused him of trying to control statements and debates regarding the 2006 election. However, Wilkins has denied he was trying to control the election debate.

Prime Minister Martin came to power in December 2003 with a promise to improve relations with the United States. However, the decision not to take part in the Iraq War, along with disputes regarding a missile defense program, fishing regulations, and a lumber dispute, have put the two administrations of Canada and the U.S. at odds. The Prime Minister of Canada has shown no hesitation in attacking Washington when he disagrees with a policy.

Canada is one of the major trading partners with the United States; many feel the disparaging remarks by Martin will not have any real affect on the countries economic ties to each other. Many of the political challengers to Martin consider his statements a cheap shot, they advise that many in Canada dislike Bush and this makes him, and his administration, an easy mark for verbal attacks seeking to sway votes.
Don’t dictate to me, Canadian leader tells U.S.

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