MP Jay Hill To Dispel Missile Defence 'Myths' in Tonight's Debate

February 17, 2004

Ottawa - Senior National Defence Critic for the Official Opposition, Jay Hill, said today that he is looking forward to tonight's take-note debate on missile defence in the House of Commons as an opportunity to dispel myths and clear-up misunderstandings about the initiative.

"I've heard from so many Canadians who are legitimately concerned about this issue, but I've also noted that a great deal of that concern is based upon misconceptions and misinformation about missile defence," said Hill. "Neither Paul Martin nor Jack Layton have communicated the facts about this issue in a responsible, clear and factual manner."

As Senior National Defence Critic for the Official Opposition, Hill was personally briefed on missile defence by Canadian Forces personnel at NORAD headquarters in Colorado Springs last October. "My understanding of the issue was greatly enhanced by that information and impressed upon me the need for Canada to take an active role in any decisions related to missile defence," stated Hill.

"The use of space-based interceptors is far from a certainty and it won't even become a possibility for many, many years to come, but Canadians have concerns about it now and therefore it must be debated in the House of Commons," stressed Hill, who added he will detail why he supports Canada's participation in the missile defence initiative during this evening's debate.

"This decision will shape Canada's national security and international relations for decades to come. The Prime Minister must immediately determine his course of action on missile defence after thorough democratic debate and before he calls an election," concluded Hill.

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