In a cross-border political attack, John McCain (web|news|bio) said Friday that Barack Obama (web|news|bio) 's opposition to the North American Free Trade Agreement is "nothing more than retreating behind protectionist walls." The Republican presidential nominee-in-waiting added that if he wins the White House, "have no doubt that America will honor its international commitments - and we will expect the same of others." McCain did not mention Obama by name as he spoke before the Economic Club of Canada, a business organization whose membership cheered his remarks.

The free trade agreement is intensely controversial in the United States - supported by most businesses, opposed by many unions and has already emerged as a flashpoint in the presidential race.

McCain supports it, while Obama and former rival Hillary Rodham Clinton (web|news|bio) sought to appeal to blue-collar workers in their battle for the Democratic nomination by stressing their opposition.

"Since NAFTA was concluded, it has contributed to strong job growth and flourishing trade. Since the agreement was signed, the United States has added 25 million jobs and Canada more than 4 million," McCain said.

In an unmistakable reference to Obama, he added, "Demanding unilateral changes and threatening to abrogate an agreement that has increased trade and prosperity is nothing more than retreating behind protectionist walls."

McCain has made several trips outside the United States since he became a presidential contender, including European and Middle Eastern countries.

His trip to Canada was unusual, and while he arrived aboard his chartered campaign jet, he was greeted on the tarmac by Ambassador David Wilkins. He said it was not a political journey, yet told reporters he did not feel it was appropriate to have U.S. taxpayers pick up the cost.

In his speech, McCain expressed his appreciation for Canada's deployment of 2,500 troops to Afghanistan, and skipped lightly over Iraq (web|news), where the government declined to send forces.

"... This nation has done all that those differences would allow to help the Iraqi people. In characteristic form, Canada has given generous humanitarian aid and development assistance," he said.

"And your government has provided more than 770 million in combined assistance and debt relief to Iraq, helping a struggling young democracy at a critical time.

Aides said in advance McCain would come to Canada to highlight trade, and there has been widespread speculation that he will soon travel to Mexico and perhaps elsewhere to make the same point.

"Last year alone, we exchanged some $560 billion in goods, and Canada is the leading export market for 36 of the 50 United States," the Arizona senator said.

"This country stands as America's leading overall export market, and America is Canada's leading agricultural market. With 60 percent of all direct foreign investment in Canada originating in the United States - some $289 billion in 2007 - our economies draw strength from one another."

While renewing his support for NAFTA, McCain also said improvements are needed.

"There is still more work to do. Complying with NAFTA's rules of origin can be cumbersome and costly. Border delays can pose a serious impediment to trade, the equivalent of a tariff," he said.

Written By DAVID ESPO

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