Eric Reguly's article in the October 23rd edition of the Globe & Mail (So what if China goes on a buying spree?) ignores a number of key points as they relate to the proposed takeover of Noranda Inc. by China Minmetals Corp.

The first point is this - the Government of Canada wouldn't nationalize Noranda - so why would we allow a foreign government to do precisely that? Would the leadership in Beijing allow the Government of Canada to acquire one of their prized assets? I doubt it.

In my view, the Chinese government in Beijing wants to try to manage down their raw material input costs and ensure controlled access to these critical factors of production. Don't these objectives run counter to Canada's best interests?

What's in this deal for Canada? Looking at the possible benefits produces some pretty thin gruel. What does China Minmetals bring to the table? What synergies are possible? Will China Minmetals bring a strong commitment to sustainable development and to mine safety? Will China Minmetals manage Noranda and Falconbridge for the benefit of all stakeholders - the workers, the communities where these companies operate, and the people of Canada?

Approval of this nationalization of one of our important assets - by a foreign government - would set a dangerous precedent. Beijing should privatize China Minmetals (a real privatization!) and re-start the negotiations.

Hon. Roy Cullen, P.C., M.P.
Etobicoke North