Hinton protester outlines ‘absurd’ 9/11 theory

The U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Wilkins was welcomed to Jasper by the mayor and members of the public the morning of July 9 at a breakfast at Lobstick Lodge.

The event was hosted by Jasper Tourism and Commerce and MP Rob Merrifield, who said he developed a strong relationship with Wilkins as the two worked together.

According to Merrifield, the ambassador not only “does a tremendous job of selling the American message to Canada, but does an even better job of selling the Canadian message to Americans,” he said. “In my estimation he’s the best ambassador Canada’s ever seen.”

Wilkins, a native of South Carolina, talked to the crowd on a range of topics that involve the neighbouring countries, including border security, trade, the economy and Alberta’s oil sands. “I think Alberta’s got a lot going on for it, not only in terms of energy, but also your beautiful landscape,” he said.

The ambassador visited Whitecourt last year, making this his second stop in the Yellowhead region during his term. “What I believe it will do for the Jasper area is he’ll get a picture of what Jasper’s like,” Merrifield said. “And he’ll sell that everywhere he goes.”

Mayor Richard Ireland presented the ambassador with some gifts as souvenirs of his trip, including a painting by local artist Sandy Robinson and a carving by retired warden Tony Klettl.

Merrifield said Wilkins had never been to Jasper, and it would have been a “travesty” for him to miss seeing it. “You just can’t say how tickled I am that he was able to take the time, with an unbelievable schedule, to come to Jasper.”

But not everyone was so happy to see the ambassador.

Before and after the event, Hinton pulp mill worker Jon Little stood outside Lobstick Lodge bearing a sign that read, “The war on terror is a fraud, get Canadian Troops out of the American’s bloody oil wars.”

Seizing the opportunity to speak out on his concerns about the Bush administration, Little purchased a ticket and attended the breakfast. When the ambassador opened the floor to questions, Little promptly shot his hand up and presented allegations that the 9/11 attacks were an inside job.

Wilkins responded, “Anybody who implies, suggests or believes that 9/11 was some kind of conspiracy by the United States government, is so ridiculous and so ludicrous and so absurd that I can’t even put my mind around it.”

Following the breakfast, Wilkins said he seldom gets a negative response, but said the man was free to present his opinion. “It’s great that we live in freedom-loving countries where people can express their views, even if you disagree with them and think they’re totally off-track,” he said. “It happens and it’s really not a big deal.”

Bert Journault, president of Jasper Tourism and Commerce, said he wasn’t concerned that the protester’s actions would reflect poorly on the town. “I would suspect the protesters pick high profile places, it’s much more fun to come to Jasper,” he said. “He’s going to make a holiday out of it.”

Wilkins said though he strongly disagreed with the protesters’ position, the man’s remarks wouldn’t tarnish his opinion of Jasper. “The views are magnificent, the mountains majestic, the wildlife is phenomenal and the people are warm and friendly and are great ambassadors to anyone who might travel here,” he said.

Wilkins and his wife, Susan, planned to take in the tramway before departing for Calgary.