Bush moves to patch up ties with Canada

The two leaders emphasized areas of agreement and cooperation, papering over their countries' contentious history about the Iraq war.

Canada has pledged more than US$200 million in humanitarian aid and reconstruction money and has agreed to forgive more than US$450 million in Iraqi debt, Bush said. Canadian officials said the two leaders discussed what role the country might play in Iraqi elections two months off. Canada is experienced in monitoring elections.

At a time when Canada is debating whether to participate in the new US continental missile defense program, Bush told Martin the shield would protect much of North America, a senior Bush administration official said.