Canada's 'Third Way'

Yet his speech on the topic, delivered in Peru, was thoughtful and realistic. "While most nations are turning toward economic reform and political openness, too often some in the hemisphere are led to believe that their only choices are ... to return to the syndrome of economic nationalism, political authoritarianism and class warfare, or to become 'just like the United States.' This is, of course, utter nonsense. Canada's very existence demonstrates that the choice is a false one," the prime minister said. Harper argued that while Canada shares U.S. values as an "open, free and democratic society," it is us, not the Americans, who enjoy the G-8's strongest economy. We have a different concept of the social safety net than they do, and a different culture. The prime minister was describing what's been called the "Third Way" by leaders such as former British prime minster Tony Blair. We don't like dictatorships or economic repression, but that doesn't mean we're following the American path either. We use freedom and democracy to strengthen our independence from the U.S. Canada has some credibility in claiming "Third Way" status. http://www.thewhig.com/webapp/sitepages/printable.asp?paper=www.thewhig.com&contentid=619977&annewspapername=The+Kingston+Whig%2DStandard

Note: http://www.thewhig.com/...