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Hot (or, maybe not?): At the beginning of the election campaign much was made of the Liberal campaign plane -- an ancient Boeing 737 leased from Air Inuit. Since then there have been stories (perhaps, apocryphal) about how the plane may or may not be leaking oil and that its wings dipped drastically during one flight, not as a result of mechanical problems, but because the pilot was cutting his chicken dinner at the time and and took his hands off of the controls briefly. The plane, however, did lose power and was grounded for repairs. But that is all in the past now. As the Liberals are more competitive now with the Tories so is Air Inuit with Air Canada, the carrier flying the NDP and Tory campaigns. Air Canada runs contests for the reporters and staffers travelling on their planes, giving away free trips. So far on this campaign, Air Canada has had contests for a trip to Hawaii, anywhere it flies in the world and to Vancouver and a Canucks hockey game. And so not to be out done, Air Inuit provided reporters with bingo cards earlier this week on a long flight from B.C. to Ontario. Global reporter Hannah Thibedeau won and was awarded a trip anywhere Air Inuit flies in northern Quebec. She is every excited about her win.
Not: Bono. The Irish rock star was so much part of Paul Martin and his campaigns. But he's no longer in the picture, having been replaced. The new Liberal leader, Stephane Dion, has his own version of Bono. But it's a Canadian version: Rob Baker. The Tragically Hip guitarist ran into Mr. Dion on the first week of the campaign at a corn roast and rally in Napanee, Ont. He spoke to reporters there, condemning Stephen Harper and his Tories for their cuts to culture and arts programs. He said he likes politicians who have content. At that stop, Mr. Baker was wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with Pierre Trudeau's face. Today, Mr. Baker came to the luncheon speech Mr. Dion delivered to a joint meeting of the Canadian and Empire Clubs in Toronto. This time, he was wearing a tie, with little faces of Trudeau on it. Later, he joined Mr. Dion for an appearance at MuchMusic. Thursday he is flying on the campaign plane with Mr. Dion to Halifax. He says he likes Mr. Dion's platform and vision for the country.
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