The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Despite efforts to mend fences with his northern neighbours, U.S. President Bush's reelection doesn't spell good news for Northern Manitoba or the rest of Canada. That's the view of Flin Flon MP Bev Desjarlais, who made no secret of her preference for White House challenger John Kerry in last month's presidential election. "There's no question that I would have preferred a different outcome because I think we might have seen a different approach with Canada," she said. Among Desjarlais' top concerns is the ongoing trade dispute in which the U.S. has placed tariffs on softwood lumber. The impact has been felt on the timber industry within her riding. Despite rulings in Canada's favour, she said the Bush administration doesn't seem to care about addressing the issue. "I certainly haven't gotten the impression that they're going to do business any differently," said the MP. Desjarlais is worried also about the the Bush administration's proposed missile defence shield, a program in which it wants Canada to take part. She said between 200 and 300 constituents have contacted her to say they oppose Canada's possible involvement in the program, while only about two have said they are in favour. See 'Visit' P.# Con't from P.# "This whole thing is something that is not necessary, and it's just going to increase the weapons race in the world again," she said. Bush recently made his first official visit to Canada but neglected to address Parliament, apparently out of concerns he would be heckled by hostile MPs. Desjarlais said any such badgering would not have been appropriate and she doesn't believe it would have come from members of her New Democratic Party. "I have to admit I was probably just as happy that he wasn't in Parliament because . . . I have not been happy with Bush's agenda," she said. On a related note, Desjarlais was pleased to learn that about 25 residents took part in a peace march down Main St. to coincide with Bush's visit to Ottawa.12/21/2004
