[ TERMINAL ACCESS: GLOBAL FEED ]

OTTAWA – The Canadian government on Tuesday issued a strong rejection of criticism from the United States Department of State regarding technical and financial assistance from the South American Union (SAU) for the Welland Canal renovation project. The US State Department had previously condemned the SAU's involvement as "internal interference." A spokesperson for the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the renovation plan is a purely domestic matter aimed at revitalizing the economy of the Great Lakes region and enhancing the safety of existing shipping routes. The spokesperson stated that SAU's support falls within the scope of "mutually beneficial economic cooperation" and contains no political intentions. The spokesperson further described the US criticism as an "unjustified interference in Canada's sovereignty," asserting Canada's right to forge international relations based on its national interests. In response, the US State Department on the same day expressed "deep concern" over the Canadian government's stance. It reiterated its previous position that the SAU's expanding influence in North America undermines regional stability. This diplomatic exchange is expected to further heighten tensions between North American powers over the economically vital Great Lakes region.