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"High priests" of deep integration working on new post-SPP agreement with government

April 21, 2008
Posted by Stuart Trew in New Orleans

We saw it coming but now it looks conclusive: Canada's deep integration nuts are working on a post-SPP agreement that will strike Mexico out of the equation.

According to the Globe and Mail today, a review body comprised of academics, government officials and private sector reps has been set up "in an effort to come up with a new agenda for Canadian-American relations as the U.S. elects a new president in November."

You'll be familiar with many of the names: "the review of Canadian-American relations is being overseen by a group operated by the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University. Mr. Burney co-chairs the group, along with Fen Hampson, the school's director. The lead administrator in the project is Colin Robertson, a long-time diplomat who is on loan to the school. It also includes representatives from the Prime Minister's Office, government departments, private sector individuals (such as Tom D'Aquino of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives) and members of the academic community."

Robertson told the Globe that the group will put out a series of research papers, much like the C.D. Howe and Fraser Institutes already have, time and time again, to plug deep integration with the U.S. But this new group has full government backing and participation -- a sign the government has no intention of discussing the broader aims of deep integration with Canadians.

John Foster of Common Frontiers often refers to D'Aquino and gang as the "high priests" of free trade in Canada, and in fact that's precisely how the Norman Patterson School referred to them at a recent talk in Ottawa. With their apparently permanent role as high-level advisors on Canada-U.S. relations, Prime Minister Harper obviously agrees.

To read the full story, click here.

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