Deal would let U.S. troops operate in Canada

ninty · **Deal would let U.S. troops operate in Canada -** 12-09-2002, 02:41 PM

[quote:cb814]Deal would let U.S. troops operate in Canada

By OLIVER MOORE
Globe and Mail Update

A Canadian officer has been named to head a planning group that will set guidelines for cross-border military operations in the event of another terrorist attack or natural disaster in North America.

Under the terms of a new deal signed Monday morning by high-level representatives from Ottawa and Washington, U.S. and Canadian troops could be allowed to operated in each other's territory, but only under the command of their host country's military structure.

Unveiled in Ottawa by Defence Minister John McCallum and Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham, the deal was presented as "a matter of mutual common sense" in a world of wide-ranging danger.

"The reality is that many of today's threats go across national borders," Mr. McCallum said. "Neither terrorists nor biologoical agents have any respect whatsoever for the 49th parallel; so it is only prudent, only common sense, for Canadians and Americans to plan together to protect the lives of our citizens."

Both officials took great pains to insist that the deal is not a loss of sovereignty for Canada, characterizing it instead as the modern equivalent of earlier alliances that were formed to fight fascism and guard against communism.

Mr. McCallum suggested that the real threat to Canadian sovereignty is global terrorists who have shown that they can strike anywhere with devastating effect. Mr. Graham noted that a chemical or biological attacks in many communities would be felt on both sides of the border, making it only logical to plan co-ordinated responses.

"Far from relinquishing sovereignty," Mr. McCallum said, "we are in fact preserving and promoting Canadian sovereignty." He explained by saying that the United States will draft crisis plans with or without Canadian participation, so that it only makes sense to be involved in deliberations that will affect Canadians.

"I cannot imagine a more frontal attack on the sovereignty of a nation than a group of terrorists intent on killing our citizens and destroying our property," he added. "By improving our defences against terrorism, the planning group enhances Canada's sovereignty in this respect as well."

Canadian Lieutenant-General Ken Pennie, currently serving as deputy commander of the North American Aerospace Defence Command, will head the planning group. He will report to Canada's chief of defence staff and to the U.S. general who commands both NORAD and the U.S. military's Northern Command.

"I can't think of a responsibility of government that is more fundamental than that of protecting and saving the lives of our citizens," Mr. McCallum said. "We must have plans and protocols in place in advance if one such crisis should happen, because once it happens it's too late to start the planning."

[/quote:cb814]

Any opinions on this?

Personally I see this as a bad idea. I think we can handle our own problems and don't need the US coming in to sort things out for us. No offence but i'd rather see my own government handle things rather than another one. If we need help, we'll ask for it. I forsee this as an excuse for the US to have more control over Canada and whatnot. Were supposed to be a soverign nation, not an annexation of the united states,

Alias · 12-09-2002, 03:17 PM

I agree with them, not you.

ninty · 12-09-2002, 03:24 PM

No suprises there since you are American.

Milla · 12-09-2002, 03:24 PM

I dont care, let you do what you want its your country

Pfc.Green · 12-09-2002, 03:34 PM

Not saying I agree with this, but it did say that "U.S. and Canadian troops could be allowed to operated in each other's territory" so it appears it would work both ways. My postition on this is, we help you when you ask, and you help us when we ask....thats how it should be.

Zoner · 12-09-2002, 03:57 PM

"mutual common sense"

That's pretty much my feeling on it. In an EXTREME circumstance, I think it'd be a good idea if the US could deploy troops on Canadian soil.

I'm talking EXTREME too...like terrorist attacks. I'd rather not see US troops marching on Parliament Hill just 'cause they can.

Zone

ninty · 12-09-2002, 03:59 PM

[quote="Pfc.Green":eed77]Not saying I agree with this, but it did say that "U.S. and Canadian troops could be allowed to operated in each other's territory" so it appears it would work both ways. My postition on this is, we help you when you ask, and you help us when we ask....thats how it should be.[/quote:eed77]

I can agree with that, but do you think its going to work like that? I doubt it. I'm sure if we wanted to put our troops in the states for whatever reason, we'd have a pretty tough time doing so. I think it would be a lot easier for you to put them here. Anyway, yeah I agree with the helping thing. Its definitley good since we are neighbors.

Sergeant_Scrotum · 12-09-2002, 04:14 PM

if they do this im moving to englad mad: such assholes! why would they even think of makeing that deal in the first place?

Milla · 12-09-2002, 04:16 PM

Its not like we are fucking invading and taking over canada, you wont see guys walking down your damn streets lol!!

Innoxx · 12-09-2002, 04:19 PM

Who knows, maybe canada might turn into another south vietnam.

Alias · 12-09-2002, 04:34 PM

You disagreed with it, not saying much as you are Canadian. The article cleary said it would be mutual. The article clearly said it was agreed upon by "both" sides. I agree with them, not you.

BallisticWookie · 12-10-2002, 09:09 AM

[quote="Sargent_Scrotum":8a596]if they do this im moving to englad mad: such assholes! why would they even think of makeing that deal in the first place?[/quote:8a596]

Pffft, it's not as if this would have a detrimental effect on your everyday life. Grow up.

Milla · 12-10-2002, 09:12 AM

Thank you wook, no it wouldnt biggrin:

BallisticWookie · 12-10-2002, 09:30 AM

What I want to know is if he was being serious or not ?

This whole situation is much like what is happening in and around Australia and Asia right now. Our Prime Minister said some things perhaps a little incorrectly and has jeapordized relations with some of our nothern neighbours. They have ofcourse blown the situation entirely out of proportion and put words in our Prime Ministers mouth. No country would operate in another without the prior notification and acknowledgment from the other countries Government, unless ofcourse it was a classified operation, or that country was already an enemy.

Innoxx · 12-10-2002, 02:55 PM

Personally, I don't mind it, but why would American troops want to be in our country in the first place?