Parched U.S. Could Be Drain On Canada

Dion says he doesn't believe the denials, but won't say exactly what or how he knows. So we're left with the spectre of an explosive issue that officially doesn't exist. If it does exist, Dion owes it to the people of Canada to come clean and offer some details so we can make up our own minds on whether any plan is imminent. After all, this is an issue that deserves a serious national debate, and will no doubt ignite a furor. It has been simmering since the free trade debate in the 1980s, and discussed unofficially by experts, media pundits and others before and since. But neither the U.S. nor Canadian governments have ever brought it up, and there is no evidence Americans are keen to discuss it now. Moreover, the Conservative party and its earlier predecessors have long opposed the idea of bulk water exports from Canada. And even backbenchers would be aware of the explosive nature of the issue. "Our government has repeatedly made clear the fact bulk water exports are not on the agenda," said Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre. At present, bulk removal of water from basins along the border are banned under the International Boundary Waters Treaty Act. So if it's just politicking by Dion, it hardly furthers the debate, and could damage other negotiations. If it's more than that, we need to know now. The sooner Canadians know one way or the other, the better. http://www.winnipegsun.com/Comment/Editorial/2007/08/21/pf-4433926.html

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