cmh blog 02 2004

Dear Mr. Pratt,

Canadians are against joining the United States’ missile defence shield. Canadians are particularly against hosting American missiles on Canadian soil.

Mr. Pratt, such a shield is a waste of money because current threats are not based on ballistic missile attacks, they are based on terrorist-style actions which cannot be protected against through missile defence systems. The current security environment is largely due to differences in wealth and quality of life between industrialized western nations and poorer nations. The resources to be spent on this program could be better directed towards reducing inequalities in the world; it is in the resolution of these inequalities that we will increase our security. This is the Canadian way.

Canada enjoys a unique reputation in the world, and we have a unique outlook on the world. While we want to be good neighbours to our southern friends, we need to act in the world according to our Canadian values. Right now we are the true north strong and free; maintaining this freedom is crucial, Mr. Pratt, as most Canadians are not comfortable with U.S. foreign and military policy. We do not want to adopt or condone these policies, or even become implicated in them indirectly. Co-operating with the missile shield commits us to an American way of looking at the world, and encourages the world to look at us as Americans; this compromises our sovereignty, affects Canada’s reputation as a generally non-aggressive peacekeeping nation, and undermines the work we have done to address problems in the world through economic co-operation rather than military intimidation.

Finally, Mr. Pratt, let me be very clear: Canadians are not amused by your suggestion that Canada could host U.S. missiles on Canadian soil. We reject this idea utterly. Since we kicked the last U.S. missiles out in 1969 we have been more confident of our sovereignty and security. Under no circumstances should we host any missiles, especially when Canadians are convinced neither of their value, nor of their advisability.

As Canadians prepare to go to the polls we are watching your government closely. Mr. Pratt, you have the opportunity to show Canadians whether your liberal government is interesting in preserving Canada’s freedom and reputation in the world, or whether your government will simply toe the line as a branch of an American administration. I urge you to make the right choice, and terminate our plans to join the missile defence system.

Sincerely,
Colin Henein