Kent Driscoll
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Nov 07/05) - American ambassador David Wilkins was ready to defend his country on a number of issues affecting the North during a visit to Iqaluit recently.

The ambassador, a George W. Bush appointee and former Republican state legislator, stood behind his country's record of environmental clean-up, despite American garbage dating back to the 1960s being discovered in the Lower Base of Iqaluit during sewer and water work this summer.

"The history of the United States (on clean-up) has been very good. The canisters that were found were empty and did not pose a threat. There is not a known problem and to comment any further would just be speculation. Hopefully, there won't be," said Wilkins.

A major sticking point in Canada-U.S. relations is the Northwest Passage. Canada claims the potentially lucrative waterway as Canadian, the U.S. believes it to be international waters.

"The United States has consistently recognized the boundary of three miles out. I know that Canada, under Prime Minister (Pierre) Trudeau, passed legislation extending the limit to 12 miles. Other countries have not recognized that claim by Canada. We simply have to agree to disagree," said Wilkins.

When asked if the American military would operate submarines in the Northwest Passage, was non-committal.

"If it's international waters, it's not inappropriate for vessels to be in international waters. I'm not in a position to confirm that," said Wilkins.

Wilkins also stood by the American record on greenhouse gas emissions.

"We take very seriously the issue of global warming. The U.S. spent more money in the last five years - almost as much as all the other countries combined - researching technology on this issue of global warming. We have projected to spend another $5 billion on this issue in 2006. President George W. Bush has laid out a very aggressive agenda to reduce our greenhouse emissions by 18.6 per cent by 2012," explained Wilkins.

The United States loves Canadian oil. It is closer to them than other deposits and Canada is a strong trading partner already.

Ambassador Wilkins didn't want to comment on Petro-Canada controlling the majority of exploration rights in Nunavut - making it difficult to get at Nunavut's oil reserves without its involvement.

"Canada arguably has the largest oil reserve in the world and provides more oil to the United States than any other single country.

"We hope Canada will continue to have an ample supply of oil available for United States consumption. Where it comes from, Canada has to make that decision," said Wilkins.