PM touts Canada as model for Latin America:

[Praxius]

CTV.ca | PM touts Canada as model for Latin America

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is promoting Canada as a compassionate alternative to the far-left ideology of Venezuela and the hard capitalism of the United States, as he continues his tour of Latin America. In a major foreign policy address in Santiago, Chile, Harper said Latin America is sometimes painted as being at a crossroads between the two extremes. "This is, of course, utter nonsense," he told a business audience of about 500. "Canada's very existence demonstrates that the choice is a false one. Canada's political structures differ substantially from those in the United States. "Our cultural and social models have been shaped by unique forces, and we've made our own policy choices to meet our own needs." Harper also said Canada promotes democracy and human rights, but is different from the U.S. because it has policies of "social cohesion" -- most notably universal health care. He added that Canada has no intention of conquering or dominating another nation, but rather seeks to build strong economic and social ties. "What we can do is bring forward our resources and goodwill ... to build a more democratic, prosperous and secure hemisphere for all its citizens," he said. The prime minister met earlier Tuesday with Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and announced that the two nations will expand their current free-trade agreement into other areas. The expansion comes as the two countries mark the 10th anniversary of the current free-trade agreement. CTV's Robert Fife, who is travelling with the prime minister, said that Canadian companies currently have about $11 billion invested in Chile. On Monday, Harper became the first Canadian prime minister to visit Colombia as part of his Latin American tour. In Bogota, Harper announced that Canada would engage in free-trade negotiations with Peru and Colombia -- considered the most violent country in the western hemisphere. Canada and Colombia are also negotiating a deal to eliminate double taxation, said Harper. The prime minister also dismissed criticism that Canada was putting trade ahead of human rights. Colombia continues to struggle with Marxist guerrillas and a flourishing drug trade. Human rights and other non-governmental groups in Colombia were quick to attack the free-trade talks. Harper will next meet with Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur and other Caribbean leaders in Barbados. He will then end his tour in Haiti where he will meet with President Rene Preval. Harper's visit marks the first time a Canadian leader has visited the area since 2004.

As I said in the past how I mostly dislike Harper..... at times, he does make sense and he tends to know how to push buttons and get attention. This could be a good step for us..... although it could also undermine the goals of the US's Capitalism intentions, which could possibly sour US/Canadian relations down the road.

*shrugs* oh well.

It's also interesting to read many of the comments on that web link at the bottom from other readers and what they think.

[Jern_Sandyer]

If souring US/Canada relations means preventing the massive flip-flopping of Latin America between extremes I think I'll take the latter. We are heading into a world where the US isn't the biggest elephant anymore and Canada isn't quite as small a mouse.

(If you have no idea what I am referenceing then read this Pierre Trudeau Quotes , mostly the forth one)

[The Decider]

A smart move by Harper. He's exploiting Bush's neglect of our southern neighbors and bolstering the moderate quasi-democracies like Columbia, Chile, and Argentina who fear the rise of an authoritarian Venezuela.

It's also a ballsy move. Latin America has been in "America's Back Yard" since the Monroe Doctrine. Bush & Crew won't enjoy Harper's new foreign policy within our "sphere of influence." It's refreshing to see that somebody in a North American leadership position actually has a Latin American policy.

Point to Harper.

[Jern_Sandyer]

Now if only we can prevent the US from taking credit if this works.

[Praxius]

Quote by: Jern_Sandyer Now if only we can prevent the US from taking credit if this works.

lmao, yeah.....

I'm actually wondering what the US response will be.... I mean, we still trade with Cuba and we send our toruist there too.... they get a lot of money from us.... yet I don't hear too much about the US complaining these days......

That's right.... we get legal Cuban Cigars..... so if you can't get to Cuba... come to Canada! lol

[Nono]

Quote by: CTV Harper also said Canada promotes democracy and human rights, but is different from the U.S. because it has policies of "social cohesion" -- most notably universal health care.

Quote by: Decider It's also a ballsy move.

A damned nervy move, yes, since that numbskull and his crew of rednecks have been working full time to undermine Canada's distinctive brand of North Americanism, and aping the US at every opportunity.

In Latin America he was attempting to cash in on the same Pearson/Trudeau approach that he's simultaneously doing his best to destroy.

It's enough to make you puke.

[Praxius]

I once thought so too... esspecially.... well... pretty much all the time. But like I said, he seems to have some bigger picture planned out.... and it's something that I can tell is a bit more complex the the average Prime Minister (Brian Mulroney, Jean Chrétien, Paul Martin) and I know it looks like BS right now, there is something potientially bennificial in the long run, so long as he sticks to what I think he's sticking to...... and as much as that sickens me..... I'm interested in figuring out what he's doing.

He's got brains, but are they good or bad? I'm a little wierded out to realise I'm not sure yet...... but some things.... Some.... of the things he's doing are pretty much how I would go about to make some change.... depending on how the government and country is like when handed to you, you might not be able to make everyone's wishes all at once....

I'm a little pO'd about what he did to the Atlantics for our offshore deal, but besides that, when you add it into all the other things he has put money into thus far..... he's been doing better then those other idiots in the past who sucked the life out of our military, our healthcare, and education.

It's not all coming as fast as I would like..... but it's at least on the move and some funding is coming..... now the trick is to make sure he doesn't run out before he can cover everything equally.

[Nono]

Quote by: Prax He's got brains ...

He does??! Get a grip, Prax, you do indeed sound weirded out.:)

I'm not sure yet...... but some things.... Some.... of the things he's doing are pretty much how I would go about to make some change.... depending on how the government and country is like when handed to you, you might not be able to make everyone's wishes all at once....

Steady there, By. You're sounding a bit like some weak-kneed American liberals re Bush circa 2002 and some French re Sarko at present -- dazed in the headlights. Harper is just another Alberta* yahoo. He's a lickspittle, running-dog agent of Bushismo. And if you feel yourself being hypnotized by his persona, try to remember the party he represents.

* The immigrants are the worst examples!

He's been doing better then those other idiots in the past who sucked the life out of our military, our healthcare, and education.

I don't know what it is about you and the Canadian military, Prax. You a veteran, or a service brat?

The reality is that -- apart from peace-keeping (a Pearson invention, by the way) -- Canada's military these days has no meaning, by virtue of the country's geographical position (you know what I'm talking about). Pearson recognized this and acted in accordance with reality, cutting budgets, unifying the three branches, etc. This threw the Tories into a paroxysm of foaming rage -- the hoary old dingbats.

But I'm with you on health care and education. What, after all, are the hallmarks of a civilized society?

[Praxius]

Hy, I told you I don't think he's an angel.... and yes, he has screwed provinces over and also screwed himself up.... including firing those who disagreed with his polocies in his own party.... I've seen enough grounds just to call and election and boot his ass out right now.... but I have been seeing some new ideas as well.... like dealing with South America, and the sort.....

Like I said, I'm on the edge of the hair with him.... depending on if he screws up anymore, will I have a more solid opinion.

I certainly don't equate him on the same level as Bush or whoever..... he's got his own wierd persona, and I've been watching, lol.....

One week he does something good, the next week, he pisses everybody off.... the week after, he does something good..... it's some wierd balancing act I'm seeing..... it's gradually leaning more towards his doom as PM, but I'll give him a chance..... at least until the next election.

If nothing profound occurs from here till then, I won't be voting for him.... of course I have yet to vote concervative yet in my life, lol.