Canadians bombed by US fighter

Four soldiers from the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry unit died when unexpectedly ambushed by an American F-16 fighter which was participating in a US authorized ground training exercise south of Kandahar, Afghanistan last week. Another eight solidiers were injured. The battalion is part of the force of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan under US command as part of the ongoing war against terrorism. President Bush apparently telephoned Prime Minister Chrétien after the incident, and was prompted to make a more public apology the next day. I want to say publicly what I told [Prime Minister] Jean Chrétien the other day about how sorry I am that Canadian soldiers lost their life in Afghanistan,'' the President anounced. ``It was a terrible accident. The parents and loved ones of the soldiers have my most heartfelt sympathy.''American Ambassador to Canada Paul Cellucci also offered his condolences to the families of the men and to the Canadian public. The incident has captures much public attention as Canadians search for answers in the wake of the four tragic and unnecessary deaths. Concerns have also been voiced over President Bush's failure to comment on the tragedy during numerous public appearances the day of the incident, instead waiting until prompted by Canadian reporters later that day. Defense Minister Art Eggleton later announced the formation of a Canadian board of inquiry to be headed by retired General Maurice Baril and an American board co-chaired by Marc Dumais to investigate the matter. The investigations, expected to last between one and two months, will strive to determine how the mistake was made, and where responsibility lies, particularly whether fault lies within the communication structure and chain of command or with the American pilot.

Kiddie porn bill defeated

In the wake of a BC Supreme Court decision in favour of John Sharpe's right to possess written material depicting violent sexual acts wit children due to the material's artistic merit, Ottawa rejected a motion Tuesday that would have raised the age of consent and banned any form of child porn whatsoever. The motion, introduced by the Canadian Alliance, received the support of five backbench Liberal MPs and all Tory and Alliance MPs present, but was still rejected by a vote of 163 to 62. Commenting on the Government rejection of the motion, Justice Minister Martin Cauchon insisted the Liberals were equally concerned with child porn as the Opposition, but sought to craft a bill that was compliant with the Charter and had suport of the provincial governments.