Ottawa to re-examine U.S. missile defence

Ottawa to re-examine U.S. missile defence
Last Updated Tue, 06 May 2003 7:23:38

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Jean Chrétien says Canada has to reconsider its reservations about the proposed U.S. missile defence system.

The federal cabinet is expected to discuss Washington's plan for a missile shield when it meets Tuesday.

Canada hasn't officially stated its position on missile defence, but has expressed reservations.

In Monday's question period, Chrétien said Canada is taking another look at the U.S. plan.

"The situation is changing," he said. "A year ago, the Russians and the Chinese were very strongly opposed. Now they have some change because the system is changing. And we're looking at different alternatives."

He was responding to a question from the NDP's Bill Blaikie, whose party has consistently opposed the U.S. plans for a missile defence system.

Blaikie says changing global politics may not be the only reason Ottawa is taking another look at missile defence. He says the federal government is trying to make amends with Washington after Canada sat out of the war in Iraq.

Written by CBC News Online staff