Chretien's Successor, Martin Wants Closer Ties with US?

Paul Martin's father was a prominent Liberal Party member who championed progressive social policies but never made it to PM. Martin and Chretien are not exactly bosom buddies, though Martin was Chretien's finance minister.



http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/international/AP-Canada-New-Leader.html?pagewanted=print&position=



November 14, 2003
Paul Martin Prepares to Succeed Chretien
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Filed at 3:31 p.m. ET


....


The younger Martin, who entered politics in 1988 after a successful business career heading Canada Steamship Lines, has a conservative's love of fiscal discipline. He combines that with a commitment to the social legacy championed by his father.

...

He promises change in how government works while adhering fiscal conservatism, aimed at freeing up money for progressive social programs.

``It's not 'take care of the social problems and somehow wealth will take care of itself,''' said Judy Sgro, a Martin supporter and Liberal member of Parliament from the Toronto area.

Priorities include soothing strains created by the sour relations between Chretien and President Bush, making sure that security needs in the post-Sept. 11 era don't impede trade or border traffic with the United States, and generating research and development that spurs economic growth.

policies at a distance and I think that is what is being reflected here. I think this paragraph reflects how Martin will govern although I do believe he is closer to big business than I would like:

"Martin, who has a law degree and speaks both French and English fluently, takes over with the economy on sound footing, due to his nine years as finance minister under Chretien when broad budget-cutting helped balance the books and draw down a huge deficit. Now the challenge is to continue rebuilding some of the programs hindered by reduced spending, including the military, health care and education."

Martin is a smart man and he knows too well how Canadians feel about Bush, he was there when Chretien received a prolonged standing ovation when talking about the decision not to support Bush's unilateral invasion of Iraq.

I have seen him speak of his admiration for his father with tears in his eyes....I have a good feeling about him....Hope I'm right! It's possible to balance the books and be compassionate too...I do it all the time!.... :)

and got the impression of a Canadian Blair or Clinton, sort of a Third Way type. I was impressed by his leadership in the Third World debt forgiveness movement, but I was less than impressed with his idea for creating a G-20 for political leaders to complement the one for finance ministers. In theory it could be a good idea, or it could wind up reinforcing the structures of globalism as surely as the one for finance ministers does.

most right wing source he can find in Canada...I don't get what his motives are, but I've seen him do it several times before....We are sitting here in Canada on a tight rope with our huge trade with the U.S.A always under threat if we get too far out of line...So....Chretien or whoever is prime minister has to always consider that!

http://www.paulmartintimes.ca/where-paul-stands/default_e.asp

PS: The US better not try anything with Canada or we'll send Skittles to DC to kick Bush's ass.

admiration of his father who he says inspired him....His father was a very compassionate, socially progressive liberal cabinet minister....I guess we can never get perfection....I have a good feeling about Martin and will hope for the best....:)

in power! I'd throw in Bush, Ashcroft, Rumsfeld and the whole PNAC gang.

just kidding, you did give me a good chuckle!

but I respect the wild too much to think of it being corrupted with them.

too close!

as long as it's beyond the Oort Cloud!

with the man with the forked toungue. He is probably going to tell you to bust all those drug-pushing prescription drug people who are trying to save the lives of the elderly.

that are selling drugs to US citizens and they gave us a thumbs up. They were from the states that want to continue the cross border sales. It will be interesting to see how the state/federal fight goes on this.

Convention about what has to be done to help the downtrodden in Africa. He's saying that he talked to Paul Martin about aid etc...I'm leaving now...I have to listen....Try to get a copy of his speech...It's wonderful...