"We will not initiate discussions with the U.S. on this issue. The issue is closed," Etienne Allard, a spokesman for Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor, told Sun Media.

"The U.S. ambassador has indicated that his government has no plans to ask Canada to join the program."

Critics fear the defence program will escalate the international arms race, but the Senate committee believes advanced technology has the potential "to offer useful, non-nuclear defence to all of North America."

Liberal Sen. Colin Kenny, chairman of the committee, said Canada is missing out on a "no-cost event."

"We believe that Canada will have better-protected sovereignty by having a seat at the table," he said.

"It's almost impolite to turn down an offer coming to us that really was a courtesy extended by the U.S., because there were no costs associated with it."

NDP defence critic Dawn Black was shocked by the Senate suggestion to reopen the thorny debate.

"We knew (the missile program) would escalate the arms race; it has escalated the arms race," she said.

"We will not initiate discussions with the United States on this issue. The issue is closed," Etienne Allard, a spokesman for Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor, said. "The U.S. ambassador has indicated that his government has no plans to ask Canada to join the program."

The controversial program has been slammed by critics who fear it will escalate the international arms race, but the Senate committee believes advanced technology has potential "to offer useful, non-nuclear defence to all of North America."

Liberal Sen. Colin Kenny, chairman of the committee, said Canada is missing out on a "no-cost event."

"We believe that Canada will have better protected sovereignty by having a seat at the table," he said. "It's almost impolite to turn down an offer coming to us that really was a courtesy extended by the U.S., because there were no costs associated with it."

Interim Liberal Leader Bill Graham said his past government looked at the issue "very carefully" and an deal with the U.S. was not in the best interests of Canada.

"We will not initiate discussions with the U.S. on this issue. The issue is closed," Etienne Allard, a spokesman for Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor, told Sun Media.

"The U.S. ambassador has indicated his government has no plans to ask Canada to join the program."

The program has been slammed by critics who fear it will escalate the international arms race, but the Senate committee believes advanced technology has potential "to offer useful, non-nuclear defence to all of North America."

Liberal Senator Colin Kenny, chairman of the committee, said Canada is missing out on a "no-cost event."

"We believe that Canada will have better protected sovereignty by having a seat at the table," he said.

"It's almost impolite to turn down an offer coming to us that really was a courtesy extended by the U.S., because there were no costs associated with it."
 

Interim Liberal Leader Bill Graham said his past government looked at the issue "very carefully" and decided it was not in the best interests of Canada to enter into an agreement with the U.S.

"We will not initiate discussions with the U.S. on this issue. The issue is closed," Etienne Allard, a spokesperson for Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor, said. "The U.S. ambassador has indicated that his government has no plans to ask Canada to join the program."

The controversial program has been slammed by critics who fear it will escalate the international arms race, but the Senate committee believes advanced technology has potential "to offer useful, non-nuclear defence to all of North America."

Liberal Senator Colin Kenny, chairperson of the committee, said Canada is missing out on a "no-cost event.

"We believe that Canada will have better protected sovereignty by having a seat at the table," he said. "It's almost impolite to turn down an offer coming to us that really was a courtesy extended by the U.S., because there were no costs associated with it."

Interim Liberal Leader Bill Graham said the Liberals looked at the issue "very carefully" and decided it was not in the best interests of Canada.