Harper declined invitation to attend AIDS conference in Toronto!

[glarius]

The 16th International AIDS Conference is, according to CBC, the largest gathering of this kind ever, and our dear leader apparently doesn't find it important enough to fit into his plans.
This cold, unfeeling, control freak is a DISGRACE to Canada. I have been watching some coverage of the conference on CBC and several times it was mentioned that our Prime Minister declined the invitation to attend. What crap! Of course he does have a good excuse. He is too occupied "saving Canada's northern shores"! :sarcasm: Lord, I despise that man!
The African grannies who are caring for orphaned children are here and some have been interviewed on TV. It was very moving to see these wonderful old ladies who are, in there old age the soul support of their grandchildren.
From the Globe and Mail:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/aids2006
From the Toronto Star:
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1155420635557&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968793972154

[glarius]

1. Stephen Lewis on CTV's Question Period just said

as diplomaticly as he could that "Harper has made a bad mistake in judgement by not attending the meeting."

[tuvor]

2. Harper's absence 'an embarrassment'

TORONTO - The opening ceremonies of the 16th International AIDS Conference in Toronto will be a mix of speeches and musical performances -- and likely a lot of chatter in the audience about someone who wont be there: Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

"I think it's an embarrassment," conference co-chair Dr. Mark Wainberg said of the prime minister's decision not to accept an invitation to help open the conference.

Harper's office hasn't really made clear why he won't follow in the footsteps of other world leaders -- including former prime minister Brian Mulroney -- and attend the opening. The explanation given is that the prime minister can't accept every invitation he's proffered.

But the conference is not just any old function, critics of Harper's decision contend.

"We're hosting the largest HIV event ever in the world. And somehow our political leadership is going to look the other way. It's just not acceptable," says Dr. Julio Montaner, a world-renowned AIDS researcher from the University of British Columbia who will become president-elect of the International AIDS Society at this meeting.

http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=fc1dee66-6c19-4829-be7b-d8f6ae8b93cb

[glarius]

3. Another sign of how "tone deaf" Harper is.

He has NO JUDGEMENT whatsoever!

[CHIMO]

4. Harper under fire as AIDS conference opens

Harper under fire as AIDS conference opens
Last Updated Sun, 13 Aug 2006 20:36:06 EDT
CBC News

The Canadian co-chairman of the 16th International AIDS Conference condemned Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Sunday at the opening ceremony in Toronto.

Dr. Mark Wainberg of Montreal criticized the prime minister for declining an invitation to open the conference.

"We are dismayed that the prime minister of Canada, Mr. Stephen Harper, is not here this evening," Wainberg said at the Roger's Centre.

"Mr. Harper, the role of prime minister includes the responsibility to show leadership on the world stage. Your absence sends a message that you do not regard HIV/AIDS as a critical priority and clearly all of us here tonight disagree with you," he said, prompting a standing ovation from the crowd.

People crowded the front of the stage, carrying signs that read "Sleep in Steve? HIV Never Sleeps!"

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/08/13/aids-conference.html


Bill Gates urged scientists on Sunday to work harder to develop microbicides to protect women from HIV. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)

[tuvor]

5. Well, it IS Sunday.

I'll bet he was at church, praying for AIDS victims.

[Hand]

8. "Sleep in, Steve?" Heh heh heh.

Looks like that nickname is sticking. This could be bigger than "Leslie" Blitzer!!!!!! This could be HUGH!!11!!1111! :rofl: I'm SERIES11!!11111!!!

[SixStrings]

6. Was it OK when Chretien snubbed them?

I guess that's OK because, well, he's a Liberal right?

http://www.aegis.com/news/re/1996/RE960730.html


Hypocrites. I had a yard sale on the week-end. May Harper rot in hell for not attending...

[Spazito]

7. Chretien received scathing criticism at the time, as well he should

have, for not attending. Harper is receiving the same, as well he should. Harper doesn't get a pass because Chretien didn't attend, imo, and to even intimate he should is ridiculous.

[ClusterFreak]

9. Who's the prime minister in 2006?

Is it Jean Chretien, or is it Stephen Harper?

And yes, by the way...whenever a Liberal does anything bad or stupid, they are ALWAYS forgiven. They are, because they are LIBERALS.

Of course, I'm surprised you had to ask.

What a weak defence of an utterly arrogant and thoroughly tone deaf decision by Harper not to attend this event.

"Oh yeah....well Chretien skipped it ten years ago!"

"Oh yeah....well Johnny's mom is letting him jump in the lake!"

What's the difference.

Give me a break.