Mr. Speaker, as we speak, an American led coalition has begun the business of forcibly disarming Saddam Hussein.
The Government of Canada has decided that we will not participate in this particular conflict, and I have no doubt that it meets with the approval of most Canadians.
However, that being said, now is the time for Canadians in positions of responsibility, including members of the House, to refrain from making gratuitous negative comments about our American neighbours and their leadership. Our economies are tightly intertwined and we are, and have been, allies on many fronts.
We will not always agree with the Americans in international affairs but we do share a continent with them. It is in Canada's best interest to strive for good relations with the U.S. whenever possible.
Let us hope and pray for a mercifully swift war and a peace that brings a better tomorrow for all of us on this planet.