Smoke from forest fires in Quebec is blowing west, enveloping political Ottawa as it prepares for the arrival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Parliament Hill.
Amid the haze and smell of smoke, meanwhile, is an increased presence of security on the Hill — fences are up on the sweeping driveway leading to the Centre Block, limiting vehicle access to the front doors; there are police officers stationed on the roof of the Centre Block overlooking the entire Hill.
The heightened security should come as no surprise, especially given the events of yesterday, given the Israeli attacks on the Gaza aid flotilla, which have resulted in as many as 19 deaths.
Earlier this morning a busload of security officials dressed in SWAT-like uniforms arrived in front of the West Block.
And the bullet-proof security glass that was put across the opening of the arch leading into the Centre Block front doors — underneath the Peace Tower — for the February 2009 visit of U.S. President Barack Obama is back in place.
This would protect Mr. Netanyahu as he exits his car into the Centre Block. He is to meet with Prime Minister Stephen Harper for a bilateral meeting at 10 a.m.
An hour later the two will walk down the Hall of Honour for a photo op and then they will hold a joint press conference.
