Kelly McParland - "Wait a minute ... You're saying the 9/11 terrorists DIDN'T come from Canada?"
It says in the Toronto Star that the Conservatives’ security perimeter initiative could “divide the federal Liberals and make it harder for the NDP to ensure the survival of the Conservative minority government.”
That would be a pity, given that the odds of the perimeter negotiations making any progress range from zero to none.
To achieve an agreement between countries, especially one as far-reaching as the integration of border security, you need both sides to be involved. But if the Americans are even remotely interested in a perimeter deal, they’re keeping it well hidden.
The New York Times didn’t mention the Harper-Obama agreement (though it did quote some remarks the Prime Minister made about Egypt). There was a story inside the Wall Street Journal, but if any other U.S. media reported on the meeting and press conference, I can’t find it.
There is no hint that Congress is interested. As the Journal pointed out — twice — when it comes to border security, American legislators think of more police and tougher restrictions, not easier flow of goods. Most of the Republicans who control the House couldn’t care less if Canada is having a harder time getting its exports through. The unions that support the Democrats still think NAFTA was a Communist plot, and cling to the belief that restrictions on imports mean a bigger market for U.S.-made goods. President Obama was nice enough to meet the Prime Minister and hold a press conference, but his re-election campaign is already under way, and the lengthy list of issues of concern to U.S. voters doesn’t include Canada’s desire to reduce congestion at the border (which many of them still think is one big welcome mat for foreign terrorists anyway).
So it would be pretty self-defeating if the Liberals or anyone else wasted much time debating the merits of the Tory plan. The Avro Arrow will be flying again before this baby ever does.
National Post