Canadian Press
CALGARY — Alberta Premier Ralph Klein has put his support for the U.S. war on Iraq in writing - sending a letter to the American ambassador to Canada praising President George W. Bush for "leadership in the war on terrorism and tyranny."
"The president and your nation have exemplified leadership," Klein said in a letter sent Thursday to Paul Cellucci, the U.S. ambassador to Canada. "As Americans put their lives on the line to preserve freedom and security, we feel that friendship more strongly than ever."
Klein also wants the Alberta legislature to formally endorse the American government's stand.
On Monday, Klein accused Prime Minister Jean Chretien of leaving Canada's friends in the lurch by refusing to commit Canadian troops to the U.S.-led attack on Saddam Hussein. Klein has also warned that Chretien's position could damage the relationship between the U.S. and Alberta's energy sector.
Ontario Premier Ernie Eves has also criticized Chretien for the decision to stay out of the war.
However, Manitoba Premier Gary Doer and Quebec Premier Bernard Landry have praised Ottawa's decision to stay out of the conflict without a sanction from the United Nations.
Klein sends kudos, thanks to ambassador for U.S. war on Iraq
CALGARY (CP) - Alberta Premier Ralph Klein has put his support for the U.S. war on Iraq into a letter and praised President George W. Bush for "leadership in the war on terrorism and tyranny."
In a letter to Paul Cellucci, U.S. ambassador to Canada, Klein said his views may not be popular, but he's entitled to speak his mind. He also says the leadership of Bush and the United States has earned the deepest respect of many, many Albertans.
"War is a dirty, rotten thing," Klein said, defending his letter as bombs and cruise missiles rained down on several Iraqi cities Friday, including the capital of Baghdad.
"No one likes to see war. But when you focus on the devastation of war, you should also focus on the devastation of terrorism."
Earlier this week, Klein accused Prime Minister Jean Chretien of leaving Canada's friends in the lurch by refusing to commit Canadian troops to the U.S.-led attack on Saddam Hussein.
The prime minister's office says Klein is not speaking for all Canadians.
"This wouldn't be the first time that Mr. Klein's views don't reflect the opinions of the vast majority of Canadians," Jim Munson, the prime minister's director of communications, said from Ottawa. "He's entitled to his opinion, but on foreign policy, the prime minister speaks for Canada."
Klein, whose once-close relationship with Chretien has become strained because of disagreements over the Kyoto climate change treaty and health-care reform, didn't disagree with Munson's assessment.
"The prime minister is absolutely right: I am entitled to my opinion, I'll express it and he knows it," the premier said.
Klein said he is worried that some companies will pay the price for Canada not being part of the U.S-led coalition. He has heard rumours an Alberta company involved with oilwell blowouts is no longer welcome in the United States.
"These kinds of stories cause me concern," he said.
"This is a company that did a lot of business in the U.S. and with U.S. companies."
Keith Brownsey, a political science professor at Calgary's Mount Royal College, says Klein's letter is designed to do two things: protect Alberta's oil and natural gas industries from potential future U.S. retaliation and to attack Chretien.
Brownsey doubts whether Klein's comments really reflect the views of most Albertans.
"His motivation is trying to sell Alberta's energy to the United States - trying to protect our oil and gas sector from any sort of reprisal or duty," he said in an interview. "He's trying to hurt the federal Liberals and attack them in any way, but he's certainly swimming against the mainstream."
Alberta New Democrat Brian Mason called Klein's letter disturbing.
"It sends a chill down my spine," he said in an interview. "This premier is prepared to see innocent people massacred to preserve a business relationship with the United States, and that is all it comes down to.
"He does not speak for the people of Alberta on this," Mason said, noting that anti-Iraq war protests were set to be held Saturday in Edmonton and Calgary.
Klein is not alone in his criticism of Chretien's position on Iraq. Ontario Premier Ernie Eves has also criticized the prime minister for his decision to stay out of the war with UN sanction.
Manitoba Premier Gary Doer and Quebec Premier Bernard Landry, on the other hand, have praised Ottawa's decision.
"While Saddam Hussein is the target right now, Osama bin Laden is still a target and other people who will foster and support terrorism are also targets," he said.
"Saddam Hussein just happens to be the target today."
Apparently there will be a vote held by the Provincial Gov't this week, it'll pass easily, which will reflect the feelings of a majority of Western Canadians.
Go USA! Alberta, unlike the idiots in Ottawa are with you.
Notice the local NDP (further left than the Liberals, if that is possible) hack blowing BS out of his whole. Ya, an entire group of hundreds showed up in both cities. We had 32,000 at the Fed up 2 rally in the late 90's AGAINST the firearms registry. Local radio shows have been pretty interesting lately.
The local company, "Safety Boss", but out 300 + fires in less than a year in 91/92. Now, Ottawa has sufficiently angered the USA and after being initially REQUESTED by the Americans, and preparing to go, Safety Boss is now blackballed.
