Obama, Harper stay apart on pipeline issue, ink other agreements
Washington, D.C., United States (AHN) – The visiting Canadian leader and the American president on Wednesday remained noncommittal on a controversial oil pipeline linking the two countries but signed a border deal.
Addressing a joint press conference at the White House, with Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper, U.S. President Barack Obama said, “With respect to the politics, look, this is a big project with big consequences.”
Asking for a assessment for environmental impact, Obama said, “We’ve seen Democrats and Republicans express concerns about it. And it is my job as president of the United States to make sure that a process is followed that examines all the options.”
Harper, on the other hand refused to be drawn into any controversy saying, “You can appreciate that I would not comment on the domestic politics of this issue or any other issue here in the United States.”
Harper added that Obama had an “open mind” on the project, but wanted a full assessment carried out. “He’s indicated to me, as he’s indicated to you today, that he is following a proper (process) to eventually take that decision here in the United States, and that he has an open mind in regards to what the final decision may or may not be,” Canadian leader said about the 1,600-mile pipeline that would run from Canada to the Texas coast.
“My position, the position of the government of Canada on this issue, is very well known,” said Harper, hinting at his backing for the Keystone XL plan, which is projected to create jobs in the U.S. and in Canada and to enable oil from the Canadian province of Alberta to reach the world market.
The two leaders announced signing of a trade deal and perimeter security agreement, which would allow easier access to ports and increase harmonization of security checks and procedures at land borders.
“Together, they represent the most significant steps forward in Canada-U.S. cooperation since the North American Free Trade Agreement,” Harper said.
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More Canadian Businesses Oppose BHP Billiton Buy-in Of Potash Corp.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada (AHN) – Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper faces a tough decision on whether to give his final blessing to the $40 billion offer from BHP Billiton to buy Potash Corporation.
A day after Investment Canada gave its tentative approval of the sale, several Canadian businessmen expressed their opposition to the sale. Saskatchewan also plans a constitutional challenge to the sale if Harper favors the deal.
Alberta business leaders said they oppose the sale to BHP because four Canadian premiers have already said they are against the deal. They warned the sale could divide Canadians and repeat a 1980 national energy program that got Albertans angry.
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall led an unsuccessful lobby to stop Investments Canada from approving the deal because of the potential revenue losses of the province from the current terms offered by BHP. Legal experts said Saskatchewan’s planned constitutional challenge may not necessarily result in stopping the sale, but may get the province more concessions, delay the sale or make BHP withdraw its bid.
A University of Saskatchewan law professor said a legal challenge is a risk factor for any takeover.
Another factor that Harper has to consider is that several Conservative seats are at stake in Saskatchewan if he approves the BHP buy-in. The prime minister has to make a final decision on the sale Wednesday.
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