Former Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin’s talk was candid, informative and engaging. At a Global Economic Governance Program seminar, he covered a very diverse collection of issues: from China’s hunger for natural resources to the regulation of multinational corporations. I have never seen the room so packed, and the questions were excellent. He managed to get some good laughs, as well. In response to my question about climate change, he said, in part:
“Climate change has long since been recognized as caused by human activity principally.
The net effect is going to be devastating.
Prince Edward Island will disappear; Toronto won’t. That’s a disaster on both sides
That would make a great headline back home, wouldn’t it?”
Generally, he was very open, but there were certainly a few notable questions ducked. He declined to endorse a candidate for the Liberal leadership race when asked, for instance. People should feel free to have a look at my transcript, in which I have tried to quote directly wherever I could type fast enough.
PS. As today’s photo demonstrates, there is a downside to having a camera that takes 2-3 seconds to charge and fire its flash.
that is incredible.
Dan Savage on Paul Martin:
“Instead, I’ll just order my Canadian readers to vote for Paul Martin and his Liberal Party allies. Scandal, shmandal, people! Sensible people in the U.S. are relying on Canada to continue being more politically and socially progressive than our own government. It allows us to point north and say, “See? Gay marriage, a single-payer healthcare system, and moves toward decriminalizing pot won’t cause the country to implode. They’re doing all of that and more up in Canada, for Christ’s sake, and the sky hasn’t fallen.” Vote Liberal, Canada!”
It’s an interesting photo; he looks like he is reacting to something falling on him from above. I am glad you had a chance to be thee and ask a question.
Paul Martin is one of my favorite political characters. It’s quite astonishing to see you in a photo with him.