Monday, October 1, 2001
By MARK DUNN, Parliamentary Bureau
President George W. Bush has learned more about what Canada will offer to fight terrorism by watching Larry King on CNN than talking to Prime Minister Jean Chretien, says Tory Leader Joe Clark.
The former prime minister issued a stern rebuke to Chretien yesterday after the PM announced Canadian policy to an American television audience Saturday night.
Chretien told King that Canada is prepared to offer troops and CF-18 fighter jets in any multinational war against terrorism.
Clark and the other opposition leaders in the House of Commons have complained about being left out of the democratic process to help shape anti-terrorism policies.
Chretien's comments were the strongest indication from the government Canada's military will play a role in the coalition to go after terrorists.
"I don't disagree with the policy at all," Clark said about Canadian military involvement. "But I certainly agree the place to announce that is directly to Canadians through the House of Commons and he's not done that.
"And if he's going to be telling an American about Canada's contributions, I would think that he would have started with the president Monday rather than with Larry King."
Chretien met Bush at the White House last Monday. Neither made any mention of military help from Canada.
Canadians learned through Larry King two weeks ago that terrorist cells linked to Osama bin Laden -- the prime suspect behind the Sept. 11 attacks -- have operated in Canada for years raising funds and plotting terror.
Clark trashes PM over TV speak
President George W. Bush has learned more about what Canada will offer to fight terrorism by watching Larry King on CNN than talking to Prime Minister Jean Chretien, says Tory Leader Joe Clark.
The former prime minister issued a stern rebuke to Chretien yesterday after the PM announced Canadian policy to an American television audience Saturday night.
Chretien told King that Canada is prepared to offer troops and CF-18 fighter jets in any multinational war against terrorism.
Clark and the other opposition leaders in the House of Commons have complained about being left out of the democratic process to help shape anti-terrorism policies.
Chretien's comments were the strongest indication from the government Canada's military will play a role in the coalition to go after terrorists.
"I don't disagree with the policy at all," Clark said about Canadian military involvement. "But I certainly agree the place to announce that is directly to Canadians through the House of Commons and he's not done that.
"And if he's going to be telling an American about Canada's contributions, I would think that he would have started with the president Monday rather than with Larry King."
Chretien met Bush at the White House last Monday. Neither made any mention of military help from Canada.
Canadians learned through Larry King two weeks ago that terrorist cells linked to Osama bin Laden -- the prime suspect behind the Sept. 11 attacks -- have operated in Canada for years raising funds and plotting terror.
THE END
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