An Open Letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin on Water,
Missiles and Sovereignty.

October 3, 2004

Dear Prime Minister Martin,

On August 11, 2001, I wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Chretien, expressing my concerns about the interlinked issues of Canadian control of its fresh water and its sovereignty, in the face of increasing pressure and demand from the USA. In October, 2001, I received a lengthy reply from then Minister of Foreign Affairs, John Manley, reassuring me that the policy of the Canadian federal government was to prohibit “bulk water removal” and that it has “full sovereignty over the management of water in its natural state, and in exercising this sovereignty are not constrained by trade agreements, including the NAFTA”. He added that in spite of the USA having unilaterally withdrawn from the Kyoto Protocol, “we are encouraged that the U.S. continues to see global climate change as a serious problem and is taking actions to address the issue.” Both letters have been posted on the website www.powerofbalance.com since then.

Two recent articles in the Toronto Star have again set off my personal alarm bells on the issues of water and sovereignty. Firstly, an article by Elizabeth May of the Sierra Club of Canada claimed the Council of Great Lakes Governors and Premiers is intending to divert water. Most people seem unaware of this plan and the mere 90-day period for submitting comments expires on October 18. If Ms. May’s assertions are substantially correct, such decisions belong in the national spotlight since water is a more important issue than even health care. It impacts on health, the global environment, as well as our national sovereignty and security.

The second alarm bell was Defence Minister Bill Graham advocating that we join the controversial and dubious American missile defence system just to placate the USA. It should be clear by now that America plays hardball (even before September 11) and that giving in to pressure only invites more. Truth be told, Canada is more likely to be attacked by the USA (for control of its resources) rather than North Korea or China. This was actually one of the conclusions reached by a study on global warming commissioned by the Pentagon.

Please do not make the mistake with water that Brian Mulroney made in giving up control of our oil and gas. Our natural resources are our greatest asset and will soon be coveted as global shortages mount. We should be taking the utmost measures to protect our sovereignty and resources, not being cowed by threats and pressure.

Yours sincerely,

Andy James