STEPHEN HAD A GOOD TERM AND IS MAKING PROGRESS IN ALL SUBJECTS

Canada seeks better US ties (The Australian, April 05, 2006)

Canada's new Conservative government wants to strengthen its military and diplomacy and will begin by improving its relations with the United States, Governor-General Michaelle Jean said in a key note speech Tuesday.

The governor-general, in the so-called Throne speech, laid out the government's legislative agenda for the new session of Parliament which opened Monday.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper's new right-wing minority government, which swept to power in a January 23 election after 12 years of Liberal rule, signaled in the address to both chambers of Parliament it would work with its international allies to "advance common values and interests."

"(Canada) will build stronger multilateral and bilateral relationships, starting with Canada's relationship with the United States, our best friend and largest trading partner," the governor-general said.

So far, in less than three months, he has stiffened the combat commitment in Afghanistan, scuppered plans for a national daycare plan and legalized marijuana, floated a reconsideration of missile defence, broken relations with Hamas, established warm relations with the White House, announced tax cuts and increased military spending,, declared war on crime and appointed a constructionalist to the Supreme Court after an unprecedented public hearing. Much to the shock of the chattering classes, his popularity is holding and the world still turns.