As part of Bush's visit to Canada this week, he is including a stop in Halifax where he will make a speech, rather than addressing the Parliament as requested by PM Paul Martin. Perhaps it's just my Canadian manners getting the better of me, but isn't 3 years a little too long to say thank you for a favor?
HALIFAX - U.S. President George W. Bush is expected to visit Halifax next week on his two-day Canadian tour, thanking Atlantic Canadian residents for helping stranded American passengers following the Sept. 11 attacks.
Bush will make his first official visit to Canada Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, but up to now he was expected to travel only to Ottawa.
Details of his itinerary are expected to be confirmed by White House officials on Thursday.
Nova Scotia Premier John Hamm says provincial officials have been told to prepare for Bush's arrival.
"The whole symbolic nature of Mr. Bush's visit is good. We traditionally have been friends with the Americans and from time to time that relationship has been strained," he said. "I think this is an opportunity for us to re-establish a firm friendship with our neighbours to the south."
Forty-four U.S.-bound planes were diverted to the Halifax airport after the 2001 terrorist attacks. About 8,000 stranded passengers stayed in hotels, community centres and the homes of local residents until the planes were allowed to continue on their journeys.
Federal Fisheries Minister Geoff Regan says he expects Nova Scotians will extend a "gracious" welcome to the president. He doesn't expect widespread protests.
Anti-war groups are hoping to gather 20,000 protesters in Ottawa during Bush's visit to protest the American occupation of Iraq.
Bush had the opportunity to thank Canada (as Halifax wasn't the only center to welcome stranded travellers) during his address on Sept 18/01 when he thanked the many nations of the world who had come to America's aid in their time of need. He thanked countries large and small, yet forgot one. The largest trading partner, and closest neighbour. This was not simply a gaffe, but an insult to many who went above and beyond to extend a hand to our neighbours below. To come back 3 years later and finally say thank you, in a ceremony that is beginning to resemble some of the camapign stops where it was set up to not allow decenting voices (Bush not speaking before Parliament because of fears he would be heckled as Reagan was during the 80's) absolutely reeks. A recent letter to the editor of a local newspaper (just looking to see if I can find it) stated that according to Canada's War Crimes Act, Bush could concievably be arrested and charged for some of the strategies he has used in the war on Iraq. While I doubt it will happen, let's hope people take to the streets of Halifax and Ottawa and let him know Canada is not pleased.