It stretches the imagination of even the most cynical critics of the Harper government. Releasing the requisite (by the conditions set by the Liberal Official Opposition) report card on the economic stimulus on a plane over Siberia instead of in the House of Commons insults Parliament and all Canadians. I acknowledge that each of the report cards has been released outside Parliament, but 30,000 feet over Siberia makes the Saint John release of the last report seen absolutely dignified. But mission accomplished, I guess, because the report doesn't even make the front section of The Globe and Mail.
But from insulting Canadians it's only a short step to insulting China, on a trip that is supposed to make up for past slights, real or imagined. What must the Chinese have thought when the PM headed immediately to a press theatre draped in Canadian flags to make a statement on the report card? The only thing that could exceed than the sensitivity of Chinese officials' egos would be this bizarre behaviour by the PM and, no doubt, recommended by his minions in the PMO. No surprise the Chinese formally reminded the PM of his bad manners.
The Harper government - still an international embarrassment.
