Bon Voyage, Chretien: A small but significant victory in the war on terrorism.

National Review ^ | January 12, 2004 | Erick Stakelbeck

[quidnunc]

December marked a small but significant victory in the war on terror, as Jean Chretien stepped down from his post as Canadian prime minister after ten years of casual indifference regarding the terrorist threat permeating within Canada's borders. Chretien's ignorance on matters relating to the security of not only Canadians, but also all North Americans, was mind-boggling for a head of state in the post-9/11 world. It was Chretien who announced shortly after 9/11 that no terrorist cells existed in Canada, only to have Canadian-intelligence sources inform the media that, in fact, the country was host to 50 such cells. True to form, Chretien responded to this public humiliation by promptly slashing the budget of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).

-snip-

Although Chretien's retirement is certainly a positive occurrence, for the moment, a sea change in Canadian policies appears unlikely. Chretien's replacement, former Finance Minister Paul Martin, has already ruled out establishing a joint immigration pact between the U.S. and Canada, saying, "Immigration...will remain fully within a Canadian decision-making capacity." And that, in essence, is the root of the problem. Nearly 300,000 immigrants are admitted each year to Canada, some from countries identified by the U.S. as state sponsors of global terrorism. In addition, between 100,000 and 200,000 people presently reside in Canada illegally, most either failed refugee claimants or visitors who have overstayed their visas. Canada, like Great Britain, is a favorite target for refugees and asylum seekers due to its extremely liberal policies. Refugee claimants, even those with sketchy backgrounds, are not detained, and many inevitably slip through the cracks of the Canadian system and into the country's 1,000,000-strong Muslim population.

The Liberal party — unwilling to take a firm stance that would contradict its multicultural agenda and fearful of losing Muslim votes — would rather have other countries look after Canada's terrorist and immigration problems. …

-snip-

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

The "Cretin" is GONE!!!!!!

[rickmichaels]

"Da proof is da proof and when you 'ave good proof it is proven."

[erasmus605]

In addition, between 100,000 and 200,000 people presently reside in Canada illegally, most either failed refugee claimants or visitors who have overstayed their visas.

That's actually not too bad, compared to the US. Or even compared to California.