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Protesters greet John McCain in Ottawa

U.S. Presidential candidate says he'll defend NAFTA

By Kathleen Harris / Edmonton Sun

OTTAWA - Re-opening the North American free trade pact would be like "retreating behind protectionist walls," Republican U.S. Presidential candidate John McCain told a packed room of Canada's business elite today.

Heaping praise on Canada for its strong economic record and its "wise and generous" efforts in Afghanistan, McCain also hailed NAFTA for creating millions of new jobs and doubling trade on both sides of the border.

He seized the chance to stress how his stand on NAFTA differs from his opponent, Barack Obama.

"We have to defend it without equivocation in political debate, because it is critical to the future of so many Canadian and American businesses," he said.

Speaking to a sold-out crowd in a ballroom of Ottawa's Chateau Laurier hotel, McCain said he would "expand ties of cooperation" with Canada on trade, energy policy and security. He also said the two countries will continue the joint fight on terror in Afghanistan.

"Together our countries are going to see this mission through," he said.

Before the event began, protesters gathered outside, waving peace flags and anti-NAFTA signs.

"McCain, Go Home!" "We want worker rights, not corporate rights!" "Down with the war monger!" they chanted.

After his speech, McCain told reporters the U.S. is winning the war in Afghanistan, but called Guantanomo Bay a "liability" and said he would shut it down if elected.