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Old plane in need of repairs forces detour for Dion campaign

Canadian Press Article online since September 15th 2008, 23:00
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Old plane in need of repairs forces detour for Dion campaign
Bob Rae holds court with reporters on the campaign aircraft of Liberal leader Stephane Dion, after is made an unscheduled landing in Montreal on Tuesday Sept. 16, 2008. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
MONTREAL - The Liberal party's campaign convoy was grounded Tuesday night when its aging plane was forced to land in Montreal.
Liberal Leader Stephane Dion's 29-year-old Boeing 737 leased from Air Inuit was en route from Sherbrooke, Que., to London, Ont., when it made an unexpected stop shortly after 8 p.m. at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport.
The pilot told passengers over the loudspeaker that something was wrong with the plane and he needed to land for repairs.
Dion was confident his busy Wednesday schedule, which includes an education-related announcement at the University of Western Ontario in London, would move ahead as planned.
"It's what we call in French a contretemps (setback), but no more than that," the Liberal leader told reporters, more than an hour after the aircraft landed.
"I'm sure we'll be in London on time and I will have the opportunity to deliver what will be a key speech for me and for the country.
"There's nothing more important than to help our youth be competitive in the world, to have their talents and skills developed in top-class universities and colleges."
Liberal campaign spokesman Mark Dunn said one of the aircraft's two generators was losing power, so the pilot decided to land as a precaution.
At first, Dunn said passengers, including Dion, Bob Rae, Liberal staffers and journalists, would likely stay in Montreal overnight.
Later, those on board were told they would be transferred onto an 11:30 p.m. flight to London aboard Porter Airlines.
A relaxed Dion came to the back of the plane as it sat near a row of hangars and spoke with journalists for about 20 minutes.
He talked about his outlook for the campaign.
"I'm working for a majority. I'm working for a Liberal government that Canadians will support," Dion said, as he stood in the aisle with microphones and cameras in his face.
"I'm very realistic. You need to have conviction to make changes that will be good for the country and good for your fellow citizens."
Trudeau airport is adjacent to Dion's home riding of Saint-Laurent-Cartierville.
Journalists and politicians alike were in good spirits waiting it out on the tarmac and taking it all in stride.
Shortly after landing, flight attendants offered passengers snacks, cans of cold beer and drinks, including wine, screwdrivers and Caesars.
"I love it here," mused Rae, who mingled with reporters. "I love Montreal. I love runways - I'm happy."
The Liberals have been criticized for renting the old, gas-guzzling plane for the duration of the campaign.
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