General

Ex-ambassador wary of border deal

Privacy and sovereignty at risk: Michael Wilson

A former Canadian ambassador to Washington has warned against the proposed North American perimeter deal signed by Stephen Harper and Barack Obama earlier this month, saying it will result in a tradeoff between security and national sovereignty. Michael Wilson—who also served as finance minister under Brian Mulroney when the Canada-U.S. free trade agreement was negotiated—called for Canada and the U.S. to establish understanding, trust and confidence with each other if it is to work. “This border agreement does raise some very significant issues on sovereignty, on privacy, on the form of collaboration between the both sides,” said Wilson. “Sharing of information is very important to being able to make this agreement work.” The Conservatives maintain the border deal will not compromise sovereignty, saying that either side is on the same page about protecting one another’s constitutional and legal frameworks, civil liberties and human rights.

Canadian Press

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