 |
||||||||
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
Canada report
By JIM FOX Many Americans take Canada for granted, poll suggestsA poll shows Americans think little of Canada, with a tendency to take their neighbor for granted. Ipsos-Reid's poll found that while Canadians embrace their southern neighbor as their closest friend and trading partner, the reverse isn't the case. In fact, only a few Americans said Canada is their country's best friend and ally -- choosing instead Britain -- while most felt Japan and China were their biggest trading partners. Most Canadians knew the United States is Canada's largest trading partner -- with $1.5-billion in commerce a day, the largest in the world. "For many Americans, Canada hardly exists," said political scientist James Laxer of York University in Toronto. The warm feelings toward the British are believed to have been enhanced by the strong role Prime Minister Tony Blair has played in the U.S.-led war against terrorism. Canadians shouldn't feel insulted, said Mary Ellen Gilroy of the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa. "For the vast majority of people in the U.S., they don't see Canada as "the other.' We share so much in common. I don't think there is disrespect intended toward Canada. We do love Canada." Parts of bomb inquiry to be kept secretThe families of four killed Canadian soldiers might not get all the answers about a "friendly fire" bombing in Afghanistan. Retired Gen. Maurice Baril, heading the investigation for Canada, said some information must be kept secret for security reasons and because it belongs to the United States. Four soldiers were killed and eight injured near Kandahar last month when a U.S fighter jet bombed Canadian troops engaged in nighttime live-fire exercise. Facts and figuresThe Canadian dollar is lower at 63.64 U.S. cents, while the U.S. dollar returned $1.5713 Canadian, before bank exchange fees. The Bank of Canada key interest rate is unchanged at 2.25 percent; the prime rate is 4 percent. Stock markets were mixed, with the Toronto exchange index higher at 7,707 points and the Canadian Venture Exchange lower at 1,146 points. Lotto 6/46: (Wednesday) 1, 10, 30, 37, 44 and 49; bonus 39. (May 4) 15, 23, 38, 39, 44 and 49; bonus 18. Regional briefsWestern Canada politicians want the federal government to pay $1.3-billion to farmers to cushion the blow of new U.S. agriculture subsidies. Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert organized a meeting in Regina with the premiers of Manitoba and Alberta after the U.S. Senate approved a bill that will funnel billions of dollars in new subsidies to American farmers. Police are investigating the firebombing of the office of British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell's wife. No motive is known for the incident that destroyed the Vancouver office of Nancy Campbell, a high school vice principal. There had been an attempt in February to burn the premier's city office. His Liberal government has been under attack for cutting the jobs of thousands of workers and trimming education and social spending. A promised 10 percent income tax cut in Nova Scotia won't amount to the same rate for everyone, Finance Minister Neil LeBlanc said. Overall, government revenue from personal income taxes will drop 10 percent next year but there will be various tax breaks. As an example, there will be tax incentives for people who take care of elderly relatives in their homes. News in briefThe Canadian government is preparing to increase its share of health care spending. Health Minister Anne McLellan said the government would have to pay more to ensure a high-quality, accessible health care system. Provincial government leaders have been demanding more money from the federal Liberals. David Thomson, 44, has taken over as chairman of Toronto-based Thomson Corp., promising investors he'll continue to increase shareholder value. He succeeds his father, Ken Thomson, 78, as head of the media company worth $20-billion. The Canadian economy should grow by about 3.3 percent this year, creating enough jobs to help boost expansion by up to 4.5 percent next year, the Bank of Montreal predicts. A booming resource sector will help Newfoundland expand by 6.5 percent, the fastest in Canada, while Alberta will suffer from slower energy production and sluggish investment.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
|
From the Times wire desk
From the AP |
