Barack Obama hosts Canada and Mexico leaders for talks

2 April 2012 Last updated at 13:22 ET

The three leaders are to discuss energy issues amid a backdrop of high gas prices and unemployment

US President Barack Obama is hosting three-way talks at the White House with the leaders of Canada and Mexico.

Talks usually centre on border issues and the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta).

This year the summit could also touch on a disputed US-Canada oil pipeline.

President Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Mexican President Felipe Calderon are meeting weeks before a broader regional summit to be held in Colombia.

The Summit of the Americas in Cartagena, Colombia, is to be held in two weeks' time.

No major agreements are expected to be signed at Monday's summit, which will see the three leaders hold a joint news conference.

The meeting was originally planned to take place in Hawaii in November, but had to be rescheduled after a top Mexican official was killed in a helicopter crash.

Thorny issues

The three leaders are expected to address ways in which to boost the economic recovery, as well as energy - with Mexico a major oil exporter and Canada unhappy over the fate of the stalled Keystone XL pipeline.

The pipeline would transport crude oil from the tar sands of western Alberta to refineries on the Texas Gulf Coast.

The White House refused to approve the project, amid concerns that the route passed through the environmentally sensitive Sandhills region of the US state of Nebraska.

Mr Harper has previously said he was disappointed by the White House decision, and indicated that Canada would consider selling oil to China, as an alternative.

Mr Obama has said exports would be a key component of the US recovery. Canada represents the biggest market for US exports, followed by Mexico. The US, though, is the biggest consumer of both Canadian and Mexican goods.

But trade between the US and Mexico has been overshadowed by violence from drug cartels struggling to control smuggling routes into the US market, and Mexico's complaints of weapons bought in the US moving south.

The leaders also face differing political climates at home. Mexico is holding elections on 1 July, and Mr Calderon is not eligible for re-election; meanwhile, Mr Obama faces re-election in November.

Mr Harper, who has been in office since 2006, won a new term in office in May 2011.

Source

Little to show for G20 security billCanada paid $930m for security at the G20, yet the weekend saw chaos in downtown Toronto. What did we pay for, exa

Canada paid $930m for security at the G20, yet the weekend saw chaos in downtown Toronto. What did we pay for, exactly?


Colin Horgan guardian.co.uk,
Monday 28 June 2010 17.30 BST

Police at the G20 throw a protester to the ground as they make an arrest.

Photograph: Tannen Maury/EPA

As last week's G8 and G20 summits approached, most of the domestic discussion surrounding them centered on costs. A marketing pavilion that was set up in the international broadcast centre designed to promote Ontario's Muskoka region, (the picturesque lake district that hosted the G8 leaders), was the most popular target for public and political scrutiny early on. The pavilion featured two walls of canoes surrounding a wooden dock and an artificial miniature lake. At a cost of $57,000, what became dubbed as the "fake lake" was a particularly easy target to exemplify what many believed to be an overall outrageously overpriced summit. But it was the security tab, ringing in at roughly $930m (CAD) that drew the most ire. Now, after a weekend that saw downtown Toronto in a state of chaos, that number is put into new perspective. What did we pay for, exactly?

During a press conference at the closing of the G20 meeting on Sunday, Prime Minister Harper deplored Saturday's scenes of vandalism and violence, citing them as justification for the security costs. In so doing, he echoed the line trumpeted by his government for the last month – a month where the Conservatives tried to defend their summit spending and deflect attention away from PR nightmares like the "fake lake". Arguably, in retrospect, Harper's words now seem to make sense. One only had to turn on the television to see the endless, breathless coverage of the police cars ablaze in Toronto's financial district; the storefront vandalism; or the snatch squads in Queen's Park breaking rank and apprehending demonstrators in quick precision movements to see what he was talking about. The heavy security was, according to Harper, completely warranted.

Others might have a different opinion. Just as the G8 summit got underway last week, it was revealed that the Province of Ontario had quietly passed a controversial piece of legislation under the Public Works Protection Act. The law allowed a member of the Integrated Security Unit to arrest anyone who came within five metres of the G20 security zone who refused to either identify themselves, or allow a search of their possessions. The legislation was not debated in the provincial legislature, and though it is only temporary (it expires the day after the summit ends), it won't even be officially published until 3 July. According to some activists, this was all the evidence anyone needed to show that the government(s) had gone too far, and that the G20 served as a way to justify the strangling of civil liberties. And, arguably, that also seems to make sense.

Thus, the pre-summit rhetoric from either side served as a kind of opening bell for the ensuing fight between protesters and police, and it looked (as it always does) as though we might witness a victor; a decision, once and for all, on the true state of democracy in Canada.

But that battle – if it was one – predictably ended exactly as it should have, with both the government and protesters getting what they wanted: justification for their grievances, and not a lot more.

In his comments on Sunday, Harper was also speaking to the bizarre circularity of the images from the streets of Toronto. That is, he inadvertently acknowledged the frustrating relationship between the police and the demonstrators: that, effectively, they exist now virtually only to justify each other's presence.

So, back to that question of what Canadians actually paid for. In this regard, what part of the weekend was a success? Was the Integrated Security Unit successful? Six hundred arrests might lead us to believe they were, but three burned-out police cars might tell us different. In the end, the ISU was as successful as it needed to be: the security zone remained secure, and everything else was gravy, as it all served only to reinforce their presence in the first place.

Were the protesters and anarchists successful? Again: only as much as they needed to be. They, too, played their role perfectly, providing the world with the kind of images we've come to expect, while ensuring that they were completely devoid of any meaning. In the process they got to justify their actions by complying with a familiar narrative wherein they became as much a part of the system that they wished to destroy as the leaders they railed against.

So, what did Canada get for $930m? We got a gallery of stock photos – representations of western democracy in action, and completely replaceable by any number of virtually identical others gathered in the last decade. In effect: nothing.

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Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2010/jun/28/g20-security-bill

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North American Leaders Pledge Action on Swine Flu, Economy, Security

North American Leaders Pledge Action on Swine Flu, Economy, Security
By Kent Klein
Guadalajara, Mexico
10 August 2009

Mexican President Felipe Calderon,(C)US President Barack Obama (L) and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper talk before NAFTA summit, 10 Aug 2009

The leaders of the United States, Canada and Mexico have concluded their brief summit by pledging more cooperation to fight the swine influenza A-H1N1 virus and illegal drug cartels as well as to strengthen the North American economy. As VOA's Kent Klein reports from Guadalajara, Mexico, U.S. President Barack Obama also gave a spirited defense of his policy toward Honduras.

President Obama, Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper have left Guadalajara with a promise to work together to prepare for the next swine flu outbreak, expected later this year.

Mr. Harper said the three nations can build on their previous efforts. "The excellent cooperation among our three countries was effective in helping to manage the initial outbreak, and we will continue our cooperative efforts," he said.

President Obama said greater cooperation is imperative throughout North America. "With science as our guide, we resolve to continue taking all necessary preparations and precautions to prepare for the upcoming flu season, and protect the health of our people. This challenge transcends borders, and so must our response," he said.

The three leaders also concentrated on boosting the regional economy, which has suffered in the global recession. Mr. Obama promised aggressive and coordinated action to restore economic growth.

The president and the Canadian prime minister reaffirmed their support for Mexican President Calderon's war against illegal drug cartels.

But Mr. Obama pressed his Mexican counterpart to be careful to observe human rights. "I have great confidence in President Calderon's administration, applying the law enforcement techniques that are necessary to curb the power of the cartels, but doing so in a way that is consistent with human rights," he said.

Mr. Calderon responded, through a translator, that he is most concerned about the right of Mexican citizens to walk the streets in safety. "The struggle, the battle, the fight against organized crime is precisely to preserve the human rights of the Mexican people," he said.

President Obama downplayed disagreements with Canada over the "Buy American" provision of the U.S. economic stimulus plan. Mr. Obama said the clause has not endangered the billions of dollars in commerce between the world's two biggest trading partners.

All three leaders reaffirmed their support for democracy in Honduras and called for the return of Honduran President Manuel Zelaya, who was ousted in a coup on June 28.

Mr. Obama responded angrily to criticism of U.S. involvement in efforts to restore Mr. Zelaya to power. "The same critics who say that the United States has not intervened enough in Honduras are the same people who are always saying that we are always intervening, and Yankees need to get out of Latin America. You cannot have it both ways," he said.

Prime Minister Harper then defended U.S. policy. "If I were an American, I would be really fed up with this kind of hypocrisy. The United States is accused of meddling, except for when it is accused of not meddling," he said.

The North American summit also served as a prelude to the G-20 summit of major and developing economies, set for September in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the October summit on climate change in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Mr. Harper is scheduled to visit the Washington in September, and he agreed to host the next North American summit in Canada next year.

Source: http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-08-10-voa27.cfm

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Canadian Prime Minister pockets consecrated host!

AmP Countdown: Time left until Pope Benedict meets Barack Obama: 1 day 16h 24m 10s

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Video: Canadian Prime Minister pockets consecrated host!
Much more than a faux pas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTH9b6YJ6mc&feature=player_embedded

LifeSiteNews:

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is in hot water over a video that caught him taking Holy Communion in a Catholic Church, despite being a non-Catholic Christian. To make matters worse, the video shows him walking away without consuming the host.
And what makes matters really worse is how clueless everyone involved seems to be, beginning with Harper's spokesman:
Asked why the PM as a non-Catholic would receive Communion, which in Catholic teaching is reserved for Catholics and even only those Catholics who are properly disposed to receiving Communion, Soudas replied: "Who is the Prime Minister to judge once Communion has been offered to him?" Soudas added, "It is a well known fact that he's a Christian."
It's like Soudas is not even listening to the question. Sure, in protestant congregations they are (typically) very permissive about who is eligible to receive "communion." But Catholics aren't.


Harper is currently en route to the G8 leaders' summit, after which he will meet with Pope Benedict on Saturday. It would be appropriate for Harper to apologize to the pope at that meeting, and explain fully what happened. It's simply a matter of courtesy to Catholics and their strongly-held beliefs about the Eucharist.


Strongly-held, of course, with the exception of one Fr. Bourgeois, who delivered the homily at the Mass where this took place, and said: "Usually, to partake in Holy Communion in the Catholic Church, you have to be a member of it, but if you're not, exceptionally sometimes at major occasions (it is different)," he said. That's wrong. Where does it say that in Canon Law?!


Also falling down on the job, Monsignor (Bishop?) Andre Richard, who gave Harper communion, who said: "I didn't see anything wrong there because I was busy doing something else." Um, what else should you be doing except noticing that you a) gave the prime-minister of your country - who is not a Catholic - Communion and b) didn't even notice that he pocketed a consecrated host? It is your duty as a minister of Communion to observe what happens to it!


Source: Questions Catholics demand explanation for PM pocketing communion wafer at LeBlanc funeral in the Telegraph-Journal.


Source: http://www.americanpapist.com/2009/07/video-canadian-prime-minister-pockets.html
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Expanding Canadian Trade Horizons

Expanding Canadian Trade Horizons

By Dana Gabriel http://www.borderfirereport.net/dana-gabriel/expanding-canadian-trade-horizons.php

Many in the business community have criticized Canada for being too fixated on U.S. trade initiatives and not aggressively pursuing more trade and investment opportunities with other countries. As a result, its overall global competitiveness has suffered. Canada recently recorded its first trade deficit in over 30 years which was blamed on falling oil prices and also directly linked to the struggling U.S. economy. In a recent visit to Canada, President Barack Obama gave assurances that he is committed to free trade and open borders. He reaffirmed his pledge to rework NAFTA, but stressed that the current economic crisis may delay such matters. If anything, the trade deficit that Canada posted, illustrates the need to lessen its dependency on the U.S. and further expand its trade portfolio.

On January 26, 2008, Canada signed a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) which consists of the countries of Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Iceland. The Canada-EFTA trade agreement is basic in nature and is not as comprehensive as NAFTA. It does not include any new substantial commitments in areas of investment, services or intellectual property. There are concerns about the negative impact the trade agreement could have on Canada’s shipbuilding and agricultural sectors. The NDP is calling on the government to exclude the shipbuilding industry from the trade agreement. These concerns could delay ratification of the trade accord. The Conservative government is emphasizing the importance of expanding and not restricting trade, especially considering the current economic climate. A Canada-EFTA free trade agreement would give Canadian businesses a foothold in the heart of Europe, thus setting the stage for a proposed Canada-European Union (EU) economic trade deal.

Canada and the EU have engaged in preliminary discussions that could lead to deeper economic integration. There are reports that negotiations on a Canada-EU trade agreement, which would exceed NAFTA, could begin in May of this year. Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams recently withdrew his support for upcoming negotiations, believing that the federal government would not act in his province’s best interests. According to Williams, assurances that a Canada-EU trade agreement would include protection for measures such as the Atlantic Accords and the Fish Inspection Act, have not been adequately met. He is also concerned about high fish tariffs, foreign overfishing and the EU’s plan to ban seal products. These issues would have to be resolved before full-scale negotiations could begin, as the EU has stressed that any such trade agreement with Canada would require full provincial governmental participation.

Canada is in the midst of playing catch-up and is attempting to secure a greater share of growing economic markets in India and China. The Canadian government has been working towards closer trade and investment cooperation with India. They have signed an agreement that will create the framework to further expand agricultural trade between the two countries. Canada is also waiting on India to finalize the text on a bilateral Foreign Investment Promotion Agreement, with hopes of a more comprehensive trade deal in the future. Many feel that Canada needs to further engage trade and investment opportunities with China as well; otherwise it risks further falling behind other nations who are also competing for a share of the Chinese market. In 2007, 2% of Canadian exports were sent to China and its direct foreign investment in the country accounted for only 0.3%. China and India represent vast potential trade and investment opportunities for Canada which can no longer be overlooked.

Under Prime Minister Stephen Harper, bilateral trade initiatives have accelerated. He has promised to place more focus on the Americas and further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the hemisphere. Trade deals with Peru and Colombia have been signed and need to be ratified. Canada is attempting to establish a greater presence in Brazil as the two countries have signed an Agreement for Cooperation on Science, Technology and Innovation. Canada is due to begin a third round of negotiations with Dominican Republic on a bilateral free trade agreement. There are also discussions underway with Panama, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. With all the bilateral and regional trade agreements that have been signed or are being pursued in the hemisphere, all these deals combined could eventually be used to facilitate a larger multilateral agreement such as the FTAA.

It is clear that Canada must lessen its dependency on the U.S., but if future free trade deals are based on the failed NAFTA model, they could prove costly. A steady diet of globalization is being offered as a solution to Canada’s economic woes. While there is a need to expand Canadian trade horizons, at the same time there is a push for further North American economic integration. Former Minister of International Trade, David Emerson, is calling for closer Canada-U.S. ties in the form of a customs union, further integration on regulatory matters, along with updating NAFTA to include labour mobility. He is also recommending that Canada advocate a North American security perimeter. Although under its current structure the Security and Prosperity Partnership might be dead, it appears as if plans for a North American Community or rather a North American Union, are still very much alive.

Dana Gabriel writes about trade, globalization, sovereignty, and other issues.
Contact: newworldordermustbestopped@hotmail.com

Deeper North American Integration Still in the Cards

Deeper North American Integration Still in the Cards

By Dana Gabriel http://www.borderfirereport.net/dana-gabriel/deeper-north-american-integration-still-in-the-cards.html

Many Canadians view a Barack Obama presidency as an opportunity to further renew Canada-U.S. relations. This includes a more North American approach in dealing with challenges that face not only the continent, but the world as well. The Security and Prosperity and Partnership (SPP), a trilateral initiative between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, has stalled and in some cases, Canada-U.S. bilateralism has also been hampered. Many policy papers and reports are still calling for deeper North American integration.

The policy paper entitled “From Correct to Inspired: A Blueprint for Canada-U.S. Engagement” was released to the public in January of this year. It was prepared by Carleton University’s Centre for Trade Policy and Law and outlines how the Canada-U.S. partnership can be rejuvenated. It details how Canada can help Obama further reshape America’s role in the world. At almost every turn, the report promotes stronger U.S. relations and emphasizes how Canada must present itself as a valued partner on broader global issues. The report recommends more Canada-U.S. bilateralism in areas of security, trade, energy, and the environment. It also proposes an annual bilateral summit between the two countries to foster more cooperation. It suggests that Canada’s influence and visibility with the new administration might be reduced, if its mission in Afghanistan is not extended beyond 2011.

In addition, the Carleton University Canada-U.S. Project calls for deeper integration and recommends moving beyond NAFTA through separate North American bilateral initiatives. This would still be within the trade agreements framework. On Obama’s pledge to fix NAFTA’s labour and environmental provisions, the report notes that Canada should not worry, as any such move is directed more towards Mexico. It does caution against Canada using its energy resources as a weapon and bargaining tool. The report acknowledges the failures of the SPP and calls for wholesale changes. It blames the sometimes unnecessary inclusion of Mexico from preventing more meaningful Canada-U.S. bilateralism. According to the report, Canada should pursue a NAFTA policy of trilateralism when necessary, but on certain matters, Canada-U.S. bilateralism should be a priority.

A recent trilateral effort put forward by the Arizona State University’s North American Center for Transborder Studies, also calls for deeper integration. In the policy paper entitled “North America Next: A Report to President Obama on Building Sustainable Security and Competitiveness,” it urges the new administration to further improve relations with its NAFTA partners. The goal is to build a more North American strategy and it suggests that this could be achieved through further energizing and expanding the current Trilateral Leaders Summit. The report calls for developing an effective North American trade and transportation plan, which would include an integrated multimodal transportation system. This sure sounds like the NAFTA Superhighway! According to the report, this could be partly paid for by a joint, revolving fund for infrastructure investment. The report also calls for harmonizing freight transportation standards, a special trucker visa, along with complete NAFTA truck access inside all three countries. There has been an ongoing battle to prevent Mexican long-haul trucks access to U.S. roadways beyond the current 25 mile commercial zone restriction.

In advance of Obama’s visit to Canada, a coalition of organizations was stressing the importance of Prime Minister Stephen Harper to commit to a transparent and thorough renegotiation of NAFTA. The Canadian coalition included the Council of Canadians, the Sierra Club of Canada, the Canadian Auto Workers and the Canadian Federation of Students, as well as other organizations. In the letter addressed to Harper, they call for the elimination of the energy clause in NAFTA, which requires Canada to export oil and gas to the U.S., even in time of shortages. They also recommend that the prime minister place a moratorium on the negotiation and ratification of all Canadian bilateral free trade agreements, as well as an end to the SPP. There are other concerns in regards to NAFTA as many Canadians would like to see water excluded from the agreement. This includes a ban on bulk water transfers, along with safeguards against NAFTA Chapter 11 challenges.

There are fears that under an Obama presidency that many on the left will go to sleep, now that Bush is out of office. This includes in Canada, where the left have been instrumental in exposing the SPP and fighting deeper integration into a North American Union. In most instances, North American integration is still very unpopular, but this is a very deep-rooted agenda. Even with a new president, it will likely carry on in some form or another. It is imperative that concerned citizens in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico continue to resist any move towards a North American Union.

Towards a Canada-EU Economic/Trade Agreement and Beyond

Towards a Canada-EU Economic/Trade Agreement and Beyond

By Dana Gabriel http://www.opednews.com/articles/Towards-a-Canada-EU-Econom-by-Dana-Gabriel-090128-19.html


After dodging a bullet and almost being defeated late last year, Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Conservative government recently tabled their much anticipated budget. It included a massive $85 billion deficit over the next five years. The Liberals have proposed an amendment that would hold the government more accountable, in order to ensure that budgetary funds are being used accordingly. If expectations are not met, the Liberals have said that they are prepared to bring down the Harper minority government. It came out during the election in October of 2008, that the Conservatives were set to begin negotiations with the European Union (EU) on deeper economic integration. In spite of the current global economic uncertainty, Canadian and EU officials are busy laying the groundwork for an economic and trade agreement, and negotiations could begin in the next several months.

It is expected that an economic and trade agreement with the EU could be massive and far-reaching, dwarfing NAFTA in size and scope. It would not be limited to the exchange of goods and services and could include labour mobility, as well as harmonization of standards and regulations. On a North American front, harmonization of regulations is being achieved through the Security and Prosperity Partnership. A principal demand by the EU is that Canadian provinces open up their procurement programs to European bidders. This would allow EU companies to bid as equals on government contracts. There has been some resistance from the provinces on this issue, which could put any such agreement in jeopardy. Stockwell Day, Canadian Minister of International Trade, stated that he is confident that the provinces will commit to such demands. The EU is also looking for a bilateral securities agreement. Canada currently does not have a national securities regulator, but one is expected to be in place before any negotiations would be completed. Many believe that Canada has been too fixated with U.S. and even Mexico initiatives, and as a result, not enough attention has been spent trying to partner up with the EU.

The annual Canada-EU Summit is set for May and will be held in Prague, Czech Republic and at that time formal negotiations for an economic and trade agreement could begin. It is also expected that the recently concluded Canada-EU Air Transport Agreement will be signed at the summit. It is set to be implemented in different phases and does not immediately include further raising foreign ownership limits in the airline sector. At a later time this agreement could even allow Canadian and European carriers to fly domestic routes in each other’s markets. It is believed that this deal is meant to put further pressure on the U.S. to agree on upgrading its own open skies agreement with the EU. A Canada-EU economic and trade agreement that goes beyond NAFTA, could later include the U.S. and Mexico. This is a scenario whereby the NAFTA model could be expanded and extended across the Atlantic. The current economic turmoil has seen a rise in European protectionism, but there still appears to be a desire by some, to further push trade liberalization initiatives.

In April of 2007, the U.S.-EU reached a deal on a new Transatlantic Economic Partnership. They agreed to work towards eliminating non-tariff barriers and increasing trade and investment, thus further laying the foundation for a U.S.-EU single market. In an effort to help streamline harmonization on regulations, the Transatlantic Economic Council was also created at the same time. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, a known globalist and one-worlder, has been calling for more trade liberalization in the form of a transatlantic free trade zone. It is important to understand that economic integration was the first step in the creation of the EU. With a new American president, there is a move to further strengthen transatlantic ties.

Many believe that Barack Obama’s presidency is a turning point in not only American, but world history, one that could signal a new era of international cooperation. Jose Barroso, the President of the European Commission, envisions a more ambitious globalization agenda and a ‘New Deal’ between the U.S.-EU. This would further foster multilateralism in areas of trade, security and climate change. EU officials have also proposed a global system for trading carbon credits. They are calling on developed countries and most notably the U.S. to sign on in an effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Others like British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and French President Nicolas Sarkozy are calling for a new global financial order. Recently, former U.S. Secretary of State and perpetual government insider, Henry Kissinger said that under Obama, there is an opportunity for a New World Order.

The global elite are making their move and they will pose as our loving saviours and offer their solution. World leaders, pundits, hacks and minions, are busy calling for a new global financial order and a New World Order. They recognize that the people are waking up to their lies, so they are accelerating plans for world government. Globalization and free trade, as well as IMF and World Bank loans, have been used to enslave the population and destroy national sovereignty. The notion of real choice is now more of an illusion. Minus the rhetoric and petty squabbles, it’s the same policies, same agenda, and the same team. Obama could be used to pitch a New World Order to the masses. This might not be the change that many had envisioned.

Be optimistic about 2009: Harper

Last Updated: Thursday, December 25, 2008 3:44 PM ET
CBC News

The coming year will be a difficult one for Canadians, said Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who steered away from directly addressing the global economic turmoil in his holiday address.

"As we face the difficult year ahead, always remember that our's is perhaps the most peaceful and prosperous society on Earth," Harper said in the prerecorded statement.

Harper urged Canadians to look to 2009 with "optimism.

"We Canadians are a generous, resilient and resourceful people who have prevailed over many challenges over the course of our history," he said.

The Conservative government's economic update on Nov. 29 sparked the near collapse of Harper's minority just six weeks after a federal election.

The fall update, which did little to address the global economic crisis and its implications for Canada, lead Liberal-NDP coalition backed by the Bloc Québécois attempted to bring down his government.

Harper asked the Governor General to prorogue Parliament until Jan. 26 when his government will table a budget and could again face a no-confidence vote in the House of Commons.

In his annual Christmas address, Harper emphasized Canada is "blessed" to be a democratic country "... where we resolve our differences peacefully ... and always count on the protection from a common rule of law."

Opposition leaders release messages
New Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff also released a holiday message that urged Canadians to commit "...to a new year of kindness and compassion towards others.

"Hope, generosity and goodwill" should extend beyond the holiday season and into 2009, Ignatieff said.

NDP Leader Jack Layton said he knows many Canadians are concerned about what the year will bring but that he has hope for 2009.

The NDP has made its resolutions for the new year and,"We promise to redouble our efforts and to stand up for you and what is right and just," Layton said in his holiday statement.

During Harper's address he also highlighted some of Canada's historic celebrations in 2008, including the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec and the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

The prime minister expressed gratitude to community volunteers and those serving in the Armed Forces. He asked that Canadians "spare a thought and a prayer" for those serving overseas.

With files from the Canadian Press

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External Links
Prime Minister Stephen Harper's message
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff's message
NDP Leader Jack Layton's message

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Source: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/12/25/harper-message.html