Harper's policies "worry" Rota

Nipissing-Timiskaming Liberal candidate Anthony Rota says the recently expressed military policies of Conservative leader Stephen Harper “worry” him.

Rota held a news conference this morning in front of CFB North Bay and said he was “interested” in Harper’s promise to increase funding to the Canadian Armed Forces.

“Like many military observers, I welcome this promise, however, like them I also decry Harper’s lack of vision for the military,” Rota said in his speech.

“What is his vision? What is his plan? Paul Martin is committed to a national dialogue regarding the roles of the military and its place in Canadian foreign policy.”

As a Liberal, Rota said, he’s committed to Canada’s “proud tradition” of peacekeeping.

“I am committed to Canada’s continued belief in the importance of multilateralism and the support of organizations, such as the UN, NATO & NORAD and I am equally committed to working with our allies to stamp out terrorism and to ensure a secure border between Canada and the USA,” Rota said.

Canadians, Rota said, need the time to “think out our roles” in the world.

“And quite frankly, Mr. Harper concerns me – remember his knee jerk reaction to sending our sons and daughters to that tragic war in Iraq and sadly, my friend Al would have supported Harper in this,” Rota said.

“The USA is our closest friend and ally, but we must reserve the right to determine our own military and foreign policies. The Alliance-Conservatives worry me greatly in both these policy areas.”

NDP candidate Dave Fluri said Martin had "stayed silent" on whether or not Canada should commit troups to the war in Iraq.

"He didn’t come out against the war until it was clear what the mood of the public was," Fluri said.

"The NDP is the only party that consistently spoke out in favour of peace and the role of the United Nations in settling international disputes."

Conservative candidate Al McDonald could not be reached for comment.