SCREW SOVEREIGNTY, PASS THE SOMA:

Pact will let U.S. troops into Canada: Joint operations won't threaten sovereignty, government vows (Norma Greenaway, December 10, 2002, The Ottawa Citizen)

Dismissing fears of lost Canadian sovereignty, the ChrŽtien government has reached a deal with the United States that would allow American troops to operate on this side of the 49th parallel in the event of a terrorist attack or other disasters.

The accord was outlined yesterday by Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham and Defence Minister John McCallum who billed the joint co-operation agreement as something that will enhance, rather than diminish, Canadian sovereignty and save lives.

The two governments agreed to establish a bi-national planning group, made up of about 15 military officers from each country, to develop contingency plans for defending against, and responding to potential terrorist attacks and natural disasters on the continent.

Mr. McCallum stressed the new group, to be headed by Canadian Lt.-Gen. Ken Pennie, would have no standing forces of its own, and that it would not lead to the integration of the two countries' militaries. [...]

If U.S. and Canadian troops moved into each other's country, it would be by invitation only and they would operate under the control of the host government, according to the plan.

At least we'll always have the Canada exhibit at Epcot. Posted by Orrin Judd at December 11, 2002 8:12 AM