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Online Dialogue with former Ambassador Cellucci
March 9, 2005
Premier Paul Okalik, Iqaluit, Nunavut
Dear Excellency, as you prepare to take your leave from Canada please know that your interest in northern Canada has been welcomed by Nunavummiut. Your assistance in having the BSE related restrictions on the export to the USA of our tundra fed caribou is an example of what can be accomplished by open dialogue between our governments. Projects such as this web portal offer an opportunity to expand this dialogue. By way of a question today, I would welcome your suggestion on how we might seek changes to the US Marine Mammals Protection Act, which in our view has unfairly prevented the export to the USA of seal products harvested by Inuit hunters. Warmest Regards, Paul Okalik
Thank you Premier Okalik for this question. As you know, the United States has a long-standing policy opposing the hunting of seals and other marine mammals absent sufficient information and safeguards to ensure that the hunting will not adversely impact the affected marine mammal population or the ecosystem of which it is a part. The United States policy is reflected in the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (MMPA), which established a moratorium, with some very narrow and specific exceptions, to the taking of marine mammals in United States waters. The MMPA also prohibits the importation of marine mammals and marine mammal products into the United States. A change in U.S. policy toward the importation of marine mammal products would require Congress to agree to change the MMPA. I can tell you that Congress frequently expresses sentiments that support the continuation of the MMPA, for example in 2003 twenty-five United States Senators endorsed Senate Resolution 269 calling on Canada to end the commercial seal hunt off the east coast of Canada." But I do recognize that for many people in the North that this is a traditional way of life. But I must be honest in advising you that convincing the Congress to change this policy would be a big challenge.
Joe Handley, Premier of NWT, Yellowknife
Ambassador: I believe the Arctic is increasingly important to energy needs in North America. We have two potential pipelines. I'd appreciate your thoughts on how these pipelines will be sequenced given the needs and labor supplies etc.
We expect that the Mackenzie Valley gas pipeline will be built first; we know that this will be important to the economy of the Northwest Territories and we do expect that the Alaska Slope pipeline will come not too long afterwards. It is clear that we will need the Mackenzie Valley gas and the Alaska Slope gas given the demand for gas in Canada and in the United States. Mr. Premier, thanks for participating.
Blake Buckle, Yellowknife, NT
Dear Excellency, Ambassador Frank McKenna said that Canada did not sign on with missile defence because of the American border being closed to Canadian beef. What do you think of this? Thank you, Blake Buckle.
I don't think there's any connection. The President of the United States supports opening the border to live Canadian cattle. The Department of Agriculture has put in place a rule that will do that. Unfortunately, a court challenge, by some cattle ranchers in the United States, has stopped the rule from taking effect. We will continue to do everything in our power to get the rule into effect by challenging the court ruling.
Darren, Whitehorse
Ambassador Cellucci, can you tell me what places you have visited in the North? Thanks.
I have extensive travel in the North, including a visit to the Canadian Forces station in Alert, where I saw the ice-packed Arctic Ocean and some Arctic hare and was quite pleased to thank the Canadian Forces for maintaining the critical signal intelligence post at Alert. I've also traveled to Iqaluit, where I got a very good briefing on the impact of global warming in the Arctic. I've been to Yellowknife and also visited the Ekati diamond mine. Obviously I had to purchase my wife a Canadian conflict-free diamond. She was quite happy. And I've been to Whitehorse and Dawson City. When asked to sip the drink that had the human toe in it in Dawson City, I politely declined and said, "The only foot I put into my mouth is my own." And I had some fun playing golf at midnight at the Top of the World golf course. The Canadian North is beautiful beyond description.
Chris, Yellowknife
The United States have said that the Canadian border was something like a strainer, that lets terrorists through fairly easily. Does the US still feel the same way about this?
No. Canada and the United States are working closely together every day to defeat the terrorist threat. The Smart Border Accord has increased significantly security at our border while at the same time facilitating the commerce that is so important to our economies.
Adam Hassan, Yellowknife, NT
Dear Excellency, I think we would both agree, along with millions of other Canadians and Americans, that the NAFTA treaty is beneficial to both our countries. However, with the trade between our countries being so large, why does the U.S. continue to place tariffs on Canadian products such as softwood lumber?
Unfortunately, softwood lumber was in effect exempted from NAFTA. It has been a long-standing dispute between our two countries. We have made progress towards a long-term solution and I believe we will soon be back at the bargaining table trying to get that long-term solution.
Niels Kaa, Yellowknife
Would you consider Canada to be a dominant power in the future?
I believe that with the increased defense spending that the Canadian government has recommended in its most recent budget, the Canadian Forces will continue to play a very important role defending North America and responding to crises around the world. I think this is a challenge for Canada. Canada has a great reputation, the Canadian Forces are quite good but they will need the resources such as strategic airlift, so the troops and equipment can get to the crisis quickly when needed. I look forward to the defense review that should be released sometime this month. I believe it will be a big step forward for the Canadian Forces. This, along with Canada's traditional diplomacy, peacekeeping, election monitoring, participation in G8, the WTO, and other organizations will mean that Canada will continue to play an important role in the world.
Ivy Van Tighem and Jill Campbell, Yellowknife, N.T.
Dear Ambassador. Our question is about the tariff on the soft lumber from Canada, also about the borders being closed to the beef industry. Is this a backlash because we turned down the missile defence system? And if so why, hasn't it been proven in international courts that Canada is not in the wrong by turning down such a system? Can you please elaborate? Thank you
As I mentioned earlier, there is no connection between softwood lumber, BSE, and the Canadian decision on missile defense. BSE and softwood lumber were issues long before the ballistic missile defense decision and as I stated earlier, we are hopeful that we will soon have the rule in place to let the live cattle from Canada into the United States and we hope to be back at the bargaining table trying to find a long-term solution to the softwood lumber dispute.
Rebecca Dupuis, Yellowknife
1.5 billion, out of 6 billion of the world's population do not have access to clean drinking water. Another 4 billion do not have proper sanitation services. The promotion of privatization and commodification of water has begun as a way to deal with this crisis. But it has been shown that privatization leads to rising water rates and unclean water. Water is a resource which should be free and accessible to everyone, not only to those who can afford to pay. Where do you stand on this topic? Thank-you very much.
We very much support trying to make sure that the billions of people who don't have clean water and proper sanitation, get it. The way to do this is to help failed states and developing states create the climate for investment and trade. That is, the rule of law and democratic ways so that companies will have confidence making investments, so that we can build economies that create jobs and prosperity and enable the governments to expend the monies to provide for clean water and sewerage services. Foreign aid can help, we can provide foreign aid to help countries make these infrastructure investments but we should never forget that trade and investment figures dwarf foreign aid figures. We cannot help lift the country out of poverty with foreign aid alone. We have to help countries create the climate for investment and trade.
Blake Buckle, Yellowknife, NT
Dear Excellency, Michael Moore has produced 2 films in the last few years that are very critical of the American government. What are your thoughts on Moore himself, and his both of his movies? Thank you, Blake Buckle.
I think he's a big fat white guy.
Chris, Yellowknife
Dear Excellency: Given the recent controversy over Canadian cattle going to the US, I was just wondering if you eat Canadian beef?
Yes, I just had some at lunch and at my daughter's wedding in Ottawa in the summer of 2003, we served Alberta beef as the main course.
Tyler, Manitoba
Dear Excellency, firstly, thank-you for your outstanding efforts as you prepare to leave your post in Ottawa. It was a pleasure to have you. As I understand, Aboriginal Canadians are viewed in the eyes of the American government as Citizens of "North America", thus are granted special privileges similar to US citizens, protected under the US Constitution. My question is this: Do you see these "Citizenship Rights" extended to other non-aboriginal, non-immigrant Canadian citizens, that is citizens born in Canada, to help with issues of North American security and economic prosperity? Thanks for your time, and all the best!
Pursuant to the Jay Treaty, Aboriginals of North America, on both sides of the border were given special rights to cross the border without hindrance. Since that Treaty came into force in the 1700s, only portions of it still remain in American law. In particular, freedom of movement is allowed. As to your question, on March 23, Prime Minister Martin, President Bush, and President Fox will meet in Texas to discuss the new partnership in North America and obviously, the issue you raise is one that I think will be considered during this process.
John-Earle MacPhee, Yellowknife, NT
Dear Excellency, what is the official policy on the opening of the Arctic Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling?
President Bush supports the opening of the Arctic Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling, with strong environmental safeguards, however, many members of Congress oppose this and it has not yet been authorized and may not be.
Graeme McElheran, Whitehorse
Greetings Mr. Cellucci. My name is Graeme McElheran and I am a journalist at the Yukon News. Thank you for providing this forum for discourse. My two-fold question today comes in the wake of comments you reportedly made after the Prime Minister officially declined to participate in the US ballistic missile defence strategy. You said: "We simply cannot understand why Canada would in effect give up its sovereignty - its seat at the table - to decide what to do about a missile that might be coming towards Canada." Could you explain exactly how Canada's choice not to participate in this scheme sacrifices the nation's sovereignty? The other half of my question is: Does Canada's participation in NORAD in effect supercede the political decision not to sign on to BMD? Thank you.
First of all, both President Bush and Prime Minister Martin, in their telephone call of last weekend, spoke of the importance of maintaining and strengthening the joint U.S.- Canadian command at NORAD. As to your first question, here it is as simply as I can put it: under the NORAD amendment adopted last summer, Canadian Forces will be in the room at NORAD headquarters determining if a missile has been launched, determining where the missile is heading, and at that point, even if the missile is headed toward Canada, the Canadians will leave the room, effectively, and let the U.S. determine what to do about this incoming missile. We believe it's in Canada's sovereign interest to be at the table determining what to do about a missile that is headed towards its territory.
Monica Ell, Iqaluit, Nunavut
My question has to do with the Marine Mammals Protection Act and the impact it has had on the Inuit Lifestyles and their sealing economy. I mentioned this concern to you back in October 2004 when you were in Iqaluit, at that time you said you would bring it to the attention of people in Washington, did you mention us, what was their response, and what more can we do here to convince them that it has provided hardships for Inuit lifestyles.
As I mentioned in my first response today to Premier Okalik, I do recognize the impact that this law has on Inuit lifestyles and their sealing economy. But the forces aligned in support of the MMPA are quite strong. And as I mentioned when I was in Iqaluit, this cause needs leadership and it has not been a bilateral issue that the government of Canada has raised with the United States. We did report to Washington on the hardships this law is having on Inuit lifestyles but it has not yet affected the policy.
Adam Hassan, Yellowknife, NT
Dear Excellency, although your pursuit of democracy for countries all around the world is admirable, how can democracy be "given" to countries as it has been in Afghanistan and Iraq? Doesn't the very definition of democracy require the people themselves to achieve it without direct foreign intervention in the country?
Sometimes tyrants through dictatorial rule prevent people from achieving their freedom. I believe that freedom is a universal aspiration. The belief in human dignity, the worth of every individual as an individual and the right to self-government, I believe these are universal aspirations and let's take Iraq for example. Men and women lined up by the hundreds of thousands despite great personal danger to vote and they voted by the millions. I think we should respect them and their desire to be free and we should help them achieve their dreams.
Michelle and Chris, Yellowknife
Dear Excellency, Are you a hockey fan? If so, what do you think of the NHL Lockout?
Yes. My Canadian son-in-law, Craig Adams of Calgary, played with the Carolina Hurricanes the last four seasons so I am a huge fan. I went to 14 of his games last year and watched quite a few more on NHL Center Ice Package. Unfortunately this year I had to go to Milan to watch him play for the Milano Vipers so I really do hope the owners and the players can get together so we'll have an NHL season next year.
Michelle, Yellowknife
Dear Excellency, Has the U.S. Embassy been a target of terrorist threats?
We are not aware of any specific threat to the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa but like all of our embassies around the world we must remain vigilant. The cooperation with the RCMP and the Ottawa police has been quite outstanding and we thank them for that.
Adam Hassan, Yellowknife, NT
Recently, interestingly after Canada decided not to sign on to Ballistic Missile Defence, Condeleeza Rice, the U.S. Secretary of State, cancelled her visit to Canada which had been planned well in advance. Was there any connection between the two events?
Secretary Rice will be coming to Canada. No date had been scheduled but we do expect one to be scheduled in the not too distant future.
Rebecca Dupuis, Yellowknife
"We are deeply concerned that the first-strike policy now adopted by Canada's neighbour and major trading partner, the United States, risks endangering the safety and security of not only millions of Iraqi citizens but also citizens around the world." - Maude Barlow Sir, what is your response to this quote?
This is the doctrine of preemption. I have a question for you: if the United States and Canada were convinced that a genocide was taking place in the Western Sudan and the United Nations, like in Rwanda, failed to take action to stop the genocide do you believe that the United States and Canada should preempt the tragedy by sending forces to stop the genocide?
Ivy Van Tighem, Yellowknife, NT
Dear Ambassador, Do you find the conversations of the internet to be a good idea, knowing that anyone in the world wide web can view your comments and answers? Also, approximately how many questions have you received and are you finding overwhelming? Also I was wondering about the missile defence system and how the system works. Thanx Ivy
It doesn't bother me. We've responded to 20 questions so far. Unfortunately, we will not be able to respond to every question we've received during the hour but we really appreciate everyone's participation. As to your question about missile defense, basically we will use kinetic energy to intercept an incoming missile before it can strike, killing innocent people.
Jill Campbell, Yellowknife, N.T.
I would just like to comment on your response to John-Earles comment, if a wildlife refuge is opened to drilling, it doesn't matter how many "safeguards" there are, the wildlife will still be affected, and despite the many poles or surveys being taken, no one can 100% say that the wildlife will still thrive in that area. I believe that they are places like this for a reason, for the animals to be secure, free from the overwhelming threat of extinction, To open it to a oil that is killing our planet as it is, is just a really really bad idea. (Notice my emphasis of the 'really' part.) You should send a message to George Bush for me, and let him read this. I'm just shocked that you believe "safeguards" will do anything, we've seen results from this before. My generation will feel the backlash from all of this, not to be rude, but your generation will be long gone, and it won't affect you at all...so I guess my question is, why are you trying to ruin our future, by killing our wildlife?
We believe in the transformative power of technology. In the U.S. we have much cleaner air, much cleaner water, much better protections for our wildlife than 20 years ago while at the same time we have maintained and actually improved the standard of living for our citizens through economic growth because we've invested in environmentally sustainable technologies.
Rebecca Dupuis, Yellowknife
Dear Excellency, Canada was in Rwanda. Where was the United States?
You are right but the United Nations did not authorize the Canadian Forces to act to stop the genocide. President Clinton went to Rwanda to apologize to the people there for the failure of the United States and others to stop the genocide.
Jill Campbell, Yellowknife, N.T.
My question for you is about the missile defence system that was a very important topic for quite a while. To my understanding, it works like this: If a country decides to bomb, or use any airborne weapons to attack, then it will appear on radar, and a missile, or some type of other defence will be launched to destroy it in the air before it hits us. I would like to know what are the possible negative effects of this, has it been proven to work in other places or were we going to be the first, to test it, and is that why we ended up saying no to it? Also, how would you be able to decipher a missile from a small plane? Thank you, for your time and I hope you can answer my question.
The technology to determine whether a blip on the screen is a missile or a plane is quite good. We are still perfecting the actual technology to intercept a missile. There have been some widely reported failures but I would remind you that the Wright brothers had a few failures as well yet we have done a pretty good job of travel by airplanes and I believe that we will perfect the missile defense technology.
Ivy Van Tighem, Yellowknife, NT
Dear ambassador, Thank you for responding to these questions. When you answered my previous question you said the "We've responded", how many people do you have helping you type your responses? I know that I have had to spell check my questions many times, how many computers do you have in front of you right now? Thank You Ivy
These are my answers. I do have some people in the room who specialize in Northern issues. And Kyle is doing an excellent job of typing my responses because if I was doing it, we probably would have had a chance to answer only one or two questions.
Joe Amarualik, Iqaluit
The Northwest Passage belongs to Canada. Do you disagree?
This has been a longstanding disagreement between the United States and Canada. However I was asked the question at the University of Western Ontario by a student who said, would it not be in the security interests of North America for the Northwest Passage to be considered part of Canada and not international waters because then Canada could keep better track of the vessels traveling through its waters? I thought the young man had an excellent question and I have asked people at the State Department to take a look at this, particularly because we do live in the age of the terrorist threat. So it's not a decision for me to make but I have recommended that we take a serious look at our longstanding policy.
Michelle, Yellowknife
Dear Excellency, What are your future plans after having served in Canada?
I'll be moving back to my hometown, Hudson, Massachusetts, where after 35 years as a public servant, 31 years as an elected official and 4 years as a diplomat, I will try the private sector. Our time has run out. Again, I want to thank everyone who has participated and I will recommend to my successor that he or she do this dialog on a regular basis.
Al Assistant Principal, Yellowknife
Mr. Ambassador thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity for our students. On behalf of our Principal Mrs. Cameron our heartfelt thanks and the best of luck in future endeavors. We will be signing off shortly. Al McD
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