----- Original Message -----
From: Philip Bladen
Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2008 12:35 AM
Subject: Civil Assistance Plan
Reply from Layton re: military agreement signed Fort Sam Houston, Feb. 2008 Received March 19, 2008
Thank you for writing me with your concern over the recent agreement with the United States allowing for interoperability of troops during civil emergencies. We share your concern.
Please find below pointed questions asked by NDP MP Libby Davies to Defence Minister MacKay on Tuesday February 25th. Unfortunately, the Minister chose to dodge her specific questions rather than inform Canadians. We continue to monitor this situation as it progresses.
In addition, we find this military agreement more of the same by a government bent on pushing the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) through without any public oversight. From the onset, we have spoken against the SPP. When these talks picked up pace in Montebello last summer, we launched a national campaign to expose the SPP.
You can read background information on the SPP negotiations at:
http://www.ndp.ca/page/5614 and
http://www.ndp.ca/stopthespp.
Many have written to say that the NDP is the only party they can trust to protect Canada's sovereignty. I want you to know that we will continue to do just that. All the best.
Sincerely,
Jack Layton, MP (Toronto-Danforth)
Leader, Canada’s New Democrats
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Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, the NDP has advocated for an increased awareness of Canada's emergency preparedness and we have also called for more transparency when it comes to military affairs.
Now we learn that the Canadian armed forces signed an agreement with the United States allowing for interoperability of troops during civil emergencies, but no one told Canadians.
Why is the Conservative government being so secretive about this agreement? What does it have to hide?
Hon. Peter MacKay (Minister of National Defence):
Mr. Speaker, this is actually the formalization of a long-standing agreement that has been in place. Basically, it allows for a formal agreement permitting armed forces from either side of the border to render assistance in a time of a civil emergency.
This is all about ensuring safety on both sides of the border, allowing for mutual cooperation to the benefit of the citizens of both Canada and the United States.
It sounds to me as if those tinfoil hats are getting a little tight down there.
Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, the minister still has not explained why this agreement was kept secret and even if he was aware of it. How can the Conservatives be trusted when they keep the truth from Canadians?
In the event of a civil emergency and the agreement is invoked, what process is to be followed to approve the deployment of Canadian troops to the U.S. and under whose command would Canadians operate?
Conversely, who would authorize American deployment to Canada and under whose chain of command would the Americans operate while in Canada? Why does the minister not answer that question?
Hon. Peter MacKay (Minister of National Defence):
Mr. Speaker, it could not have been very secret if the hon. member found out.
As it would apply at Norad or NATO, but most important, any activities that were to take place on Canadian soil would be done under the control of Canadian officials, the Canadian military most particularly.
Why have we done this? To exceed and expand upon the necessary actions that occur when people are in jeopardy. If there are ships at sea in distress, if there is an emergency involving, for example, an avalanche, this is all about facilitating the saving of lives.
We would think that a member from British Columbia would understand that.