David Pratt Responds To My Email Re: NMD

Canada and the United States have co-operated in the defence of North America for over 60 years, most notably through the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD). With our two countries continuing to work together to meet new challenges (for example, through the Smart Border Initiative and the Binational Planning Group), it is prudent to explore whether partnership in BMD might contribute even further to North American and Canadian security. On January 15, 2004, I exchanged Letters of Intent with the US Secretary of Defense regarding possible Canadian participation in the ballistic missile defence of North America. The letters do not constitute an agreement between Canada and the United States on Canadian participation; rather, they set out an agreed path for negotiations. Also, by facilitating Canadian access to US planning information, they will help Canada make an informed decision on participation. Our decision to explore participation in BMD complements traditional Canadian efforts in arms control and disarmament. Those co-operative efforts, whether in the form of diplomacy, export controls, or legal mechanisms, are all aimed at preventing states from acquiring weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering them. Rather than starting new arms races as some allege, BMD hopes to deter potential missile proliferators by making it clear to them that expending their scarce resources on missiles will not buy them any real advantage. Once talks have been completed, the Government will take a principled decision based on Canadian interests and values. Any possible participation in BMD would not be unconditional. Negotiations would preserve Canada's long-standing policy of opposing the weaponization of space. This government takes seriously our responsibility to protect Canadian citizens and to ensure that we have a say in decisions affecting the defence of our people and territory. I appreciate being made aware of your views and trust the information I have provided is helpful. Yours sincerely, The Honourable David Pratt, P.C., M.P. 01579-01585-02334-03136 ************************ It seems the government doesn't care what Canadians want, they think they are protecting us. Personally, I think if we put missiles on our soil, we automatically become a greater target. Just my opinion.