Standing up for ourselves

Chris Jai Centeno

Canadians react easily to American criticism. It seems that we seek much of our approval from our neighbouring country, and at times our interests on issues such as softwood lumber and the missile defence program are tossed aside by our closest trading partner.

So it was a surprise when, during this election campaign, U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Wilkins was quoted as saying that anti-Americanism should not be used as a political agenda in order to be voted into office.

It is surprising that a small political head nominated by Washington, D.C. would meddle in Canadian politics; he is neither involved in Canadian politics, nor is he a citizen of this country. But since Canada also has a stake in the U.S., especially as its number one trading partner, this should be reason enough for American policies to be put under a microscope in this federal election. As much as criticism may be unflattering to the U.S., it is fair game for Canada to recognize its own needs without outside influences.

Last February, when Prime Minister Paul Martin took the stance that Canada would not be joining the proposed U.S.-led missile defence program, Canadian journalists were taking up unwarranted space in magazines and newspapers, as well as in radio and television, worried that the once fruitful relationship with the U.S. was turning sour. It seemed that American policy was dictating the course of Canadian politics.

This American backlash, critics say, was fuelled by the ongoing conflict on softwood lumber and Alberta’s meat industry, which are some of the many concerns Canadians have with American policies.

It sickens me that some Canadians value American input and acceptance over what is best for our country, its citizens and its role on the world stage, since the U.S. has failed on numerous occasions to recognize Canada’s needs.

Canadians should applaud our politicians for taking a stance and making a decision affecting our citizens without giving into American pressure. Canada needs to make its own decisions since its vested interest is in itself and its citizens, not the U.S..

If the two countries truly are friends, the U.S. should be able to respect our decisions and respect Canada as a country. The only way for Canada to be taken seriously by our friends to the south would be to invest in Canadians and stand up for ourselves, eh?

Chris Jai Centeno is Editor-In-Chief of the Excalibur at York University.