TORONTO -- Prime Minister Paul Martin declined to confirm reports Wednesday that Ottawa would not join the contentious U.S. ballistic missile shield program, a move that would please his constituents but could further harm thorny relations with Washington.
Martin told shouting opposition members in the House of Commons that he would make his announcement "when it's in Canada's interest to do so."
The flap began Tuesday when Canada's newly appointed ambassador to Washington, Frank McKenna, said Ottawa was already part of the program. This provoked a row in Parliament and opposition accusations that Martin had secretly stepped under the unpopular missile umbrella.
Most Canadians oppose the defense shield, which is in the midst of testing interceptors capable of taking out incoming missiles. Some believe the umbrella, when fully implemented, could lead to an international arms race and weapons in space.
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