Brian Mulroney tied Canada closer to the United States Essay

As the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada, he developed a close traffichip with U.S President Ronald Regan both men sh atomic number 18d a similar conservative philosophy. As Canadas Prime look, Mulr stary sought closer ties with the join States, on issues such as trade policies and North American Aerospace Defence Command system (NORAD). During the Mulroney era, Canada saw drastic changes in economy and foreign policies at the same cartridge holder Canada gained closer ties with the unify States during his time in office.Some of his nonable actions during his time in office include the involvement of Canada in the SDI and NORAD during the coolness War furthermore, Mulroney made Canada part of the Free Trade engagement with the unify States. It is evident that some of Brian Mulroneys decisions during his time as Prime Minister are somewhat controversial however, there is no denial that Mulroney had brought Canada to a closer cooperation with the United St ates, becoming the first Prime Minister of Canada who did not see United States as a threat to Canadian nationhood.One general concern for Canada during the election year of 1984 was that many Canadians wanted Mulroney to achieve harmony between Canada and United States. At the Shamrock Summit of 1985 in Quebec City, Mulroney and his wife Mila Mulroney joined U.S President Ronald Reagan in singing When Irish Eyes are smiling. It was meant to symbolize a modernistic era of Canadian- American harmony after years of liberal prickliness. However, many Canadians were reticent with the direction Mulroney was leading this country, as many believed Mulroney was immensely pro-American.Back in1973, the government under the control of Pierre Trudeau had formed the Foreign Investment Review Agency (FIRA) its purpose was to block any foreign investment seemed not to be in Canadas interest. As Mulroney came to office in 1985, he dismantled the FIRA and replaced it with Investment Canada, a new s ystem which he believed would encourage competent foreign investment. FIRA was criticized by those who concerned about American economic influence, since it almost approved every application it received. At the time, in some industries, such as the petroleum and rubber products industries, foreign control exceeded ninety per cent. Over three-fourths of this control was held by United Sates investors.6 These new and old policies brought better and higher rank of business income between Canada and the United Sates, which resulted in closer ties between the two countries.In 1987, Mulroney opened up negotiations that would eventually lead to the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Canada and United States. The FTA was signed on October 4th, 1987 in hopes of improving trade transactions between the two countries (see fig2).Fig. 2. President Ronald Reagan (left) signing the FTA with Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney (right)7In the FTA, all tariffs on goods crossing the border were r emoved, and at the same time, opened Canada to U.S investment and vice versa. As suspected, the free trade issue was passing controversial among Canadians. Some Canadian businesses could not compete against U.S corporations, for these corporations were able to flood the Canadian market with cheap goods and services, resulting in the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs in Canada. However, there was no denial that by eliminating tariffs, Canada would attract more U.S. investment. This helped Canadian industry grow and benefit the whole economy. Furthermore, free trade also allowed access to the larger U.S market, which would cast up Canadas productivity and growth.During the cold contend era, In order to defend North America against possible enemy attacks, Canada agreed to join the NORAD system, a say air-defence system that would overlook soviet bombers in case of long distance attacks.On 19 March 1986, Mulroney and Regan sign the NORAD renewal agreement (see fig3)Fig. 3. Brian Mulroney (left) discussing the agreement with Michael Wilson (right) in the PMs office in 19858it officially became effective on 12 may 1986. This is not all a sign of military cooperation, notwithstanding at the same time it shows Canadas commitment in supporting Unites States during the Cold War. As Canada slowing became more involved during the cold war, this was sign that Canada had slow risen up in terms of political and military stability on an international level.9 Furthermore Mulroney and successfully pulled in United States as one of Canadas ally years to come Mulroney not only connect Canada and U.S done controls of economy, but his wartime actions had also proved this close tie Canada and U.S had gained during Mulroneys time in office.In retrospect, it is indisputable Mulroneys time as the Prime Minister of Canada had linked Canada and Untied States as close ally for generations to come. Connecting the two countries through reformation of economy and involvement in t he Cold War it is clear, despite the fact Canadians believed Mulroney was pro-American, the undeniable fact that hes policies regarding the economy of Canada not only brought greater transaction between the two countries, at the same time it brought hundreds of thousands of people out of unemployment.10 Furthermore, his signing of multiple agreements such as the NORAD agreements during the cold war with U.S brought military cooperation between two nations brought new heights in collegial ties. As an respected international figure, one probably more at hush up abroad than at home, his governments policies and prospects were the cornerstones of Canada and United States close ties in 1980s, his actions brought close international relationship between the two nations for years to come.Works Citedseventh Floor Media. The Prime Ministers of Canada Brian Mulroney Issues. The Prime Ministers of Canada Brian Mulroney Issues. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 July2014. .Badeaux, Guy , Mike Duffy, and Cha rles Gordon. Portfoolio 88 the year in Canadian caricature. Montreal Eden Press, 1988. Print.Bothwell, Robert, Ian M. Drummond, and John English. Canada since 1945 power, politics, and provincialism. Rev. ed. Toronto University of Toronto Press, 1989. Print. Brennan, Richard. Good U.S. relations worth weight in gold, Mulroney says Toronto Star. thestar.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 July 2014.