Conciliatory, Neighbourly Overtures

How refreshingly different, to be noticed by American politicians. What a departure. Canada has always felt ignored, shunted aside through sheer disinterest by Americans in general and their politicians in particular. Yet here is the Republican presumptive nominee for president of that great United States of America come to the nation's capital to address a high-powered business group of Canadians.

Interrupting the process of a vigorously-contested campaign. Who ever heard of such a thing? Senator John McCain has privileged Canada with his presence at what would normally seem to be a rather inauspicious time, but then, who can judge? He's made the time to touch base with Canada, despite the obvious tight times and stress of campaigning.

Since the Democratic candidates, during that time when Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama were still debating, claimed that they would unilaterally re-visit NAFTA and impose a re-direction of the agreement between Canada, Mexico and the U.S. that would seem to be more favourable to U.S. interests, Mr. McCain was doing a little fence-mending.

Wouldn't it be nice to think that we're held in high regard by such a very nice and persuasively powerful man just because he thinks the world of us? We're fairly good neighbours, after all. Just think of that loooong, "undefended" border - which, since 9-11 has seemed to our good neighbours to be too long, too porous, and too undefended.

But we share not only a continent but some level of values and international conscience as well.

So, please, say it's not just a recognize on the part of influential and potentially elite-to-the-first-place of politics in that grand country of the crass reality of Canada's vast natural resources; our reserves of oil and natural gas. Which it very well might (too sad, too bad, too opportunistic) reflect.

So watchagonnado? That's reality, after all, in a shrinking world of resources and an expanding world of requirements.

Senator McCain came out swinging before his audience in Ottawa, defending NAFTA as is, without equivocation, as being worthwhile and an economic trade boost to all its participants. He would not, he promised as president, resort to protectionism. "If I am elected president, have no doubt that America will honour its international commitments - and we will expect the same of others.

"We will strengthen and extend the open and rules-based international trading system. I aspire to lead a proud, outward-looking America that deepens its partnerships throughout the hemisphere and the world." Those tense times just recently past when Washington felt it needless to consult with its allies would be a thing of the past, if he's elected.

"I intend to listen carefully when close allies offer their counsel. Even when they don't volunteer their advice, I will ask for it and seek it out", said the good man. He cited climate change as an example prime for co-operation, in marked contrast to the current administration's stance on the issue.

"We stand to gain much by harmonizing energy plans, just as we have gained by co-operating in trade through NAFTA."

The generosity of Senator McCain's statements have snapped Canadian heads to attention. Good man. Hey, he knows we're here. Present and accounted for, thank you very much.