Starting January 1st, 2010, John P. Manley- former Liberal deputy prime minister and major SPP player takes over the top spot for the Canadian Council Of Chief Executives (CCCE) one of the biggest lobby groups in Canada pushing for deep integration and harmonization with the United States. It would seem Mr. Manley is a shoe-in for this position since he worked very closely on many initiatives with the CCCE in the past, helping to develop the framework for the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America. One initiative that stands out is his work with Mr. Thomas P. d’Aquino and their American friends from The Council On Foreign Relations. Together they developed a document titled “Creating A North American Community” a document that has got little recognition over the years, but a quick read of the documents “six key recommendations” and one would come to the realization these recommendations are being implemented to this very day!
Manley becomes the second former federal cabinet minister to take charge of a major business association in the past year, joining Brian Mulroney-era minister Perrin Beatty, who now heads the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Manley is known as a republican and an advocate of the abolition of the Canadian monarchy. This point of view created quite a controversy when, in response to a reporter’s question, he publicly stated that the monarchy was unnecessary during a 12-day tour of Canada by the Queen. Manley served as the Queen’s escort for the trip, and many felt that his comments were, at best, ill-timed.
D’Aquino had high praise for his successor, saying he was the top choice among a large number of candidates and said he has no concern Manley’s long Liberal pedigree will impact his access to the Conservative government. He noted that Prime Minister Stephen Harper chose him to head a government task force on Afghanistan in 2007.
“We believe John is above partisanship,” d’Aquino said. Now that the lines between the Conservatives and Liberals are very blurry he could be correct!
Manley was known as the minister of everything during the final years of the Jean Chretien government, and has held several key portfolios, including finance, foreign affairs and industry. He was named Time Canada magazine’s Newsmaker of the Year in 2001 for his work as the country’s security czar in charge of shaping Canada’s response to the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington.
After leaving public office, Manley joined the board of several companies including Nortel Networks Corp., which sought creditor protection in January and is currently selling its major business units to various buyers. Nice Job John!
D’Aquino, 68, has been head of the council since 1981, almost as long as the organization has existed.
John Manley has been the virtual poster boy for deep integration post 9/11 with highlights like:
- December 12, 2001
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and Canadian Deputy Prime Minister John Manley sign the Smart Border Declaration and Associated 30-Point Action Plan to enhance the security of the shared border while facilitating the legitimate flow of people and goods. The Action Plan has four pillars: the secure flow of people, the secure flow of goods, secure infrastructure, and information. It notably includes shared customs data, a safe third-country agreement and harmonized commercial processing.
- June 28, 2002
John Manley and Tom Ridge announce progress on the Smart Border Declaration, including “stepped up intelligence cooperation with Canada”, “common standards for using biometric identifiers, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and eyes recognition, to confirm the identity of travelers”.
It would seem like the NAU agenda is falling into place perfectly as the key players jockey for position and prepare to bring the final stages of the North American Union upon Canadians. We will be keeping a close eye on Mr. Manley as we know 2010 will be an interesting year for those that reject the notion, that in order for Canada to become more secure and prosperous, we must integrate and harmonize with our friends south of the border.
Official press release from the CCCE announcing John Manley: (.pdf file) CLICK HERE
