‘No place I would rather be now,’ PM says
By Trevor Terfloth
Local News - Saturday, July 30, 2005 @ 07:00
Timmins-James Bay Liberal nominee Robert Riopelle was overwhelmed by the sea of
red he saw Friday afternoon.
However, he had a special guest to help buffer some of the attention.
More than 500 party members, dignitaries and fellow politicians filed onto the
lawn at Cedar Meadows Resort to literally chew the fat with Prime Minister Paul
Martin at a Liberal party rally and barbecue
“Personally, I’m not accustomed to the limelight, but it’s part of the
job and something I’ll have to get used to.”
Martin approached the podium to thunderous applause, even joking that he thought
the ‘Rio’ emblazoned T-shirts referred to Rio de Janeiro.
In the morning, the prime minister had taken part in a town hall forum on
Northern economic development. He said during that session he was representing
the federal government, but onstage he proudly proclaimed he was a Liberal.
“Let me tell you — there is no place in the world I would rather be now than
right here in Timmins,” said Martin.
He also expressed his unwavering support for Riopelle, who he said has the
ability to help build Northern Ontario and the rest of Canada.
Afterwards, Martin, Riopelle and Minister of Agriculture Andy Mitchell slaved
over a hot grill to feed the hungry masses.
There was also live entertainment from local musicians and Aboriginal dancers.
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