- Reaction score
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- 710
God save the Queen.
Political spat erupts over Vimy ceremony
CTV, March 3
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070403/harper_vets_070403/20070403?hub=Politics
Mark
Ottawa
Political spat erupts over Vimy ceremony
CTV, March 3
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070403/harper_vets_070403/20070403?hub=Politics
Opposition leaders are complaining that Prime Minister Stephen Harper didn't invite them to the 90th anniversary celebrations of the battle of Vimy Ridge until it was too late to accept.
"This should be above partisan politics. He should be a statesman, he should have invited us since a long time," Liberal Leader Stephane Dion said Tuesday.
But Harper insists they had a chance.
"I always leave these decisions to the opposition, whether they want to come or don't want to come, but they're certainly welcome," he said.
The three leaders claim they have commitments that couldn't be changed and will be sending MPs in their place.
Robert Fife, CTV's Ottawa bureau chief, pronounced a pox on all their houses.
"The prime minister should have invited the other opposition leaders without having to be prodded," he said.
"Having said that, there is no excuse for Stephane Dion and (Bloc Quebecois) Leader Gilles Duceppe not re-arranging their schedules to go to Vimy."
The main event is scheduled for Easter Monday.
While the opposition leaders won't be there, another notable no-show will be President Jacques Chirac of France, although Queen Elizabeth will be in attendance...
Mark
Ottawa