Canada Opts Out of U.S. Defense Shield

After much speculation that our neighbors to the north wouldn't participate in the program, Prime Minister Paul Martin formally announced Canada's decision today.

The president's proposed budget calls for a $1 billion cut in the program reducing it to $7.8 billion for FY 2006. Considering the administration is still planning on expanding the program into Alaska, I wouldn't count on that cut being an indication that they're admitting what a failure the program has been.