Harper's plan to skip AIDS forum ‘baffling'

[MrPrax]

Harper's plan to skip AIDS forum ‘baffling'

Opposition parties are sharply criticizing Prime Minister Stephen Harper for declining to attend the 16th International AIDS conference in Toronto this summer, calling it a failure of leadership that will discourage other world leaders from attending.

Conference organizers said this week that they had received a letter from the Prime Minister's Office indicating he will not attend, although the major conference is expected to attract several other heads of state and government, along with about 20,000 scientists, health experts and community leaders.

(snip)

Bloc Québécois MP Christiane Gagnon argued that Mr. Harper is willing to move mountains to attend events when aimed at gaining electoral ground, but his absence as leader of the conference's host country shows he does not act like a statesman.

She said AIDS cannot be linked solely with the gay community, but the fact Mr. Harper is also skipping this summer's Outgames, a gay and lesbian athletic event in Montreal, leads her to ask about the message he is sending.

Globe

I think we can see what message this asshole is sending

[imouttahere]

1. Well, BushCo probably won't go.....

and since he has Harper on a short leash....