Paul Martin got a pat on the back from one U.S. president and a kick in the backside from another Friday as Canada's federal election campaign took an unexpectedly American turn.
Former president Bill Clinton stood side-by-side with Mr. Martin at a major international climate conference in Montreal as the pair agreed the world must move forward with the Kyoto Protocol — preferably with the U.S. on board.
Both men denied that their appearance together was aimed at boosting Liberal electoral fortunes, but it certainly wasn't likely to hurt: Clinton, who was careful to avoid discussing the election, is hugely popular in Canada.
As Mr. Martin basked in the former president's limelight, it was a very different situation with the White House's current occupant, George W. Bush, whose officials made it clear he was displeased with Mr. Martin's accusation Wednesday that the U.S. is ignoring global opinion on how best to fight climate change.
The Bush administration saw Mr. Martin's rebuke as cheap electioneering; a top official relayed the annoyance to Canadian ambassador Frank McKenna during a meeting Thursday.
