OTTAWA (CP) - Prime Minister Stephen Harper is promising to raise Manitoba's concerns over the controversial Devils Lake diversion project when he meets next week with U.S. President George W. Bush.
Premier Gary Doer won the promise during a one-hour meeting Wednesday with Harper, after which he praised the rookie Conservative prime minister for showing sensitivity to provincial concerns, particularly with respect to Quebec.
Although at odds with Harper on his planned cancellation of the previous Liberal government's child care agreements with the provinces, Doer said such "pan-Canadian" issues weren't discussed Wednesday. But the New Democrat premier was impressed by Harper's grasp of issues unique to Manitoba, which were the focus of the meeting.
Moreover, Doer even praised Harper for giving special attention to Quebec, dismissing suggestions that the prime minister may be giving short shrift to other provinces.
http://www.macleans.ca/topstories/politics/news/shownews.jsp?content=n0322115AHargrove! Hargrove around anywhere?