If the words “deep integration” and “harmonization” do not mean anything to you now, they certainly will in the coming federal election.  Our previous Prime Minister, Paul Martin, initiated high level negotiations with our neighbors to the south with the stated goal of further integrating our regulatory structures to improve cross border commerce.  A free trade on steroids if you will.  Granted, some harmonization makes good common sense, but some does not. Canada’s sovereignty, and its ability to control its own destiny, are most certainly at risk. Given Stephen Harper’s predisposition to close economic, political and military ties to the U.S., with little or no public input or involvement, not to mention a penchant for secrecy at a level not seen for decades in Ottawa, the current Prime Minister’s possible direction should be a concern to us all. 

“American researchers–fed up with politics getting in the way of science–are packing up and heading to Singapore, which is delighted to have them.”  Time Magazine article.

Disturbing, in particular as the Conservatives, under Stephen Harper, are likely to fall in line with George W. Bush and put in place the same restrictions that are forcing U.S. scientists elsewhere.  And the exodus from Canada may already be happening.