Beware ‘deep integration’

[CHIMO]

Opponents of Prime Minister Stephen Harper are finding that, in one commentator’s words, “Questions of Harper’s ethics, accountability, secrecy and contempt for democracy have not stuck.”

Questions about secrecy, however, should stick. Harper’s secret ongoing negotiations for “deep integration” with the U.S. could diminish the features of Canadian independence which have brought Canada world-envied standards of living, including medicare for all.

Public attention before May 2 regarding the contents of the forthcoming agreement between Harper and President Barack Obama could motivate many voters to go to the polls to preserve Canadian independence.

Loss of Canadian independence between the eras of Jean Chrétien and Harper has meant moving from no involvement in George W. Bush’s Iraq atrocities to military engagement in the quagmire of Afghanistan. It has meant less resistance to the demands for military procurement of unneeded U.S. weapons.

http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/980795--beware-deep-integration