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Orono Weekly Times;- Wednesday, June 11, 2003^1 SES^ ;.y"5'5F-,V & Viewpoint by Alex Shepherd, MP Durham Missile defence The government continues continues to toy with the prospect of re-joining talks with the U.S. over a national missile defence system. In an earlier column I laid out what the government believes are the parameters for joining this system which, we are told, is suppose suppose to shoot down incoming incoming ballistic missiles. Some call this star wars, a throw back to the Regan administration's administration's original proposal. Some MPs argue we are better off negotiating with the Americans because we will have a crack at persuading persuading the U.S. to put the system system under the control of NORAD which guarantees us a say in the system's development. They also argue the program program is not about putting weapons into space and that there is no erosion of our sovereignty by allowing the Americans to use our airspace. airspace. Nor will there be any danger from falling debris. The caucus' foreign affairs committee decided it would be a good thing to invite the U.S. military attaché and talk about the issue. I was rather skeptical about how open he would be. I was pleasantly surprised surprised at how open he was but chagrined at our government government because we appear to be buying into the U.S. arguments arguments when the evidence seems to support going in the other direction. For instance with regard to falling debris, it was expressed that a terminal system - like the patriot missile. missile. - would likely be part of the system. If this was used as a last resort, debris (possibly (possibly biological), would fall on Canada. And with respect to airborne airborne defence missiles the U.S. had no qualms with using NORAD to fly reconnaissance reconnaissance missions in our air space. On the issue of having a Fred DeVries proprietor • FREE ESTIMATES • COMPETITIVE RATES • • INSURANCE CLAIMS • FRED'S AUTOBODY (90S) 623-6353 163 Baseline Road, Unit 1 Bowmanville, Ontario UC 3L4 Complete Collision Repair, Restoration and Refinishing Mulder's Roofing & Exteriors Roofing, Siding, Soffit, Facia, 5" Seamless Eavestrough James Mulder 905-983-1176 • 905-242-4298 • Fax: (905) 983-1026 78 Mill Street, Kendal, ON LOA 1EO say at the table the U.S. attaché was clear in saying the weapon system would be placed under Northern Command and not NORAD. Well, Northern Command is entirely a U.S. controlled military system with no foreign foreign representation. Finally, with respect to the weaponization of space, (note that I do not use the word militarization since the U.S. have already done this with the advent of intelligence intelligence gathering satellites), an issue many of us are worried worried about, once again the attaché was very clear, the U.S. would not say they would rule out this option; We were assured that Canada would not be asked to share in the cost of the system which left one final question. If we don't have to share the cost and we have no say in its operation what is it we are expected to do? The answer was simple and succinct. We are suppose suppose to lend our political support. In other words cheerleaders for U.S. foreign policy which will create military military insecurity around the Clarke High School co-op student, Chanted Meek brought her newly adopted cat to school last Wednesday, for the Co-op Fair. Chanted adopted the cat at her co-op placement, the Newcastle Veterinarian Clinic. world, put Canadian lives in danger, erode our sovereignty sovereignty and possibly lead to the weaponization of space. I believe those of us who oppose joining the U.S. missile missile defence system have had our concerns vindicated. We should be going in an entire ly .different direction than where the U.S. wants to take us. And we should be putting more effort into reducing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Leading the Way CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON PUBLIC NOTICE www.municipality.clarington.on.ca Clarington Sports Had of Fame Over the past 200 years, the geographic area known today as the Municipality of Clarington has produced a number of significant sporting moments and memories. And now, the rich and long history of sports in the area is about to be honored. Do you know an athlete who deserves special recognition? How about a team? Or someone who has made a significant contribution to the sporting community? . ' " , \Afell, don't keep it a secret. We want, to know about it too. In the fall of 2003, Clarington is planning to host its inaugural Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, recognizing the outstanding achievements of athletes, teams and builders in our fine community. And the best part is we want you to be a part of the process! All you need to do is review the Clarington Sports Hall of Fame Selection Criteria found in your Summer Community Guide and if you think you know someone who deserves recognition, complete the nomination form. Once completed,"drop the form off in the drop box located inside the Clarington Municipal Centre, 40 Temperance Street Bowmanville. Or mail to: Clarington Sports Hall of Fame c/o Community Services Department 40 Temperance Street Bowmanville Ontario L1C3A6 Extra nomination forms are available at the Clarington Municipal Centre or at all Community Service Facilities. All that's left to do now is join us at the 1st Annual Clarington Sports Hall of Fame Awards Evening this fall. Thanks for your help on behalf of the Clarington Sports Hall of Fame.