Canadian officials say that only recently has it become economically feasible to tap gas reserves there. Chretien, who projects genteel qualities and an imposing voice in an interview, held forth about a range of subjects at his residence at 24 Sussex Dr., a stone mansion overlooking the Ottawa River. He touched on subjects as diverse as Canada's place in the world in the shadow of the United States and the threat of violence by protesters at the summit, which begins Friday in Quebec City. Canadian border authorities are reported to have turned back at least 60 people they suspected of planning to take part in protests. Today, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police announced that six Canadians had been arrested en route to Quebec City with explosives.
Protesters say the fence violates the spirit of democracy.
But Chretien said it and increased border security are necessary. The bureaucrats at the border are doing their jobs. We have 34 leaders there and we are obliged to protect their security. . . . After what happened in Seattle, Washington and Prague, we have decided in Canada to do what is needed. Bush, who is scheduled to arrive in Quebec on Friday, has promised to persuade Congress on the merits of an agreement that would essentially expand the North American Free Trade Agreement pact, which links the United States, Canada and Mexico, to South and Central America.