Although there has been some comment in the International Press about the Government of Canada's decision to not provide direct assistance, very little has been said about why they made this decision.
The United States and
So why would risk potential economic downturn and alienation by refusing to participate in the war?
Some pundits have listed the following possible answers:
- is already spending enough on international policing efforts in Bosnia for example
- Canadian troops are still highly active in fighting the original war on terrorism in Afghanistan
- Canadian Ships are still providing military escort in the Persian Gulf
One area that has received little attention and that I feel is a huge reason for the Prime Minister to not show active participation.
According to polls, in Quebec 85% of voters are against Canadian involvement in the war. Considering the population is largely French their alliance with France might be the explanation behind this. Why does this carry more weight than the 85% of Ontario/Alberta and BC residents that favor the war?
There is a provincial election underway in Quebec . If the current Federal party were to back a war in Iraq , they would essentially be handing the province over to the separatist party (Parti Quebecois). This would lead to huge domestic upheaval yet again within .
It would also present an even larger economic problem for the country due to the instability as was evidenced during the last attempt for separation, than a possible short term loss suffered by the wrath of angry Americans over the war, which fortunately tend to have a short memory.
PM Jean Chretien has essentially given his fellow Liberal Party candidate in a federal compromise to assist him win the election in Quebec .
Election results and the future economy will determine if it was the right decision.
I’d be interested in hearing the views of other Canadians and interested parties on the above .