Conservatives would strike missile defence deal with Americans: McDonald

Nipissing-Timiskaming Conservative candidate Al McDonald responded Sunday to concerns surrounding the future of CFB North Bay.

Further details are included in the following news release issued by the McDonald campaign Sunday evening:
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Conservative Candidate Al McDonald shared the concern of the people of Nipissing-Timiskaming today over the uncertainty surrounding the future of NORAD.

“There is no doubt that the recent reports that a failure to reach an agreement with the U.S. on continental defence could render NORAD obsolete are very troubling” said McDonald.

“Past members in this riding have fought hard to keep NORAD here and we can’t simply let it slip away now."

Recent reports have stated that if there is no deal with the U.S. concerning an agreement on continental missile defence by the fall deadline that the United States may move forward without Canada. It has been suggested that if
an agreement is reached, between the two North American allies, that NORAD would play a pivotal role in the new defence system. A failure to reach a deal could see the U.S. move all of its operations within its borders,
thereby rendering NORAD irrelevant.

“The fact of the matter is that this riding needs NORAD to remain here and to remain healthy. Only I and the new Conservative Party can assure the people of this riding that a deal will be struck to ensure the continued
importance of NORAD in Nipissing-Timiskaming” said McDonald.

“I am glad that the New Conservative Party recognizes the historic alliance between Canada and the U.S. because I believe that it is only through partnership that we
can continue to benefit from both countries' wonderful resources.”

McDonald concluded by saying that he is the only candidate that will be able to fight effectively for the base, NORAD, and the great men and women that staff them.

“The Liberals have failed to deliver on this deal, just as they have failed to deliver on deals to get Canadian beef and softwood lumber flowing across the border properly again. The new Conservative Party believes we need to stand shoulder to shoulder with the U.S. on the defence of our continent, so we can go eye to eye with them to fight for fair trade.”
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Liberal candidate Anthony Rota could not be reached for comment at posting time.

But Nipissing-Timiskaming NDP candidate Dave Fluri believes things are finally "becoming clear."

“The Conservatives want to abandon Canadian sovereignty to the U.S. and the Liberals want to do the same but won’t admit it, leaving the NDP as the only party willing to speak up and maintain Canada as an independent voice for peace on the world stage."

Fluri said the NDP would work with allies in the Americas "to try to convince the Bush administration to abandon this destabilizing missile defence program.”