Debates to underline burning issues as Rice visits (Canada)

[CHIMO]

OTTAWA — The Liberal government has organized two special parliamentary debates to coincide with a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in an effort to highlight a pair of hot-button issues — cross-border tourist traffic and the lingering softwood lumber dispute.

Sources say softwood issues would be featured in the talk, along with broader concerns like the growing economic might of India and China and recent World Trade Organization meetings in Zurich and Geneva.

Among other issues up for discussion during Rice's visit, the Americans have signalled that President George W. Bush is looking for additional Canadian help in rebuilding war-torn Iraq, if and when the security situation there simmers down.

Martin is expected to reiterate his opposition to U.S. plans to drill for oil in an Alaska wildlife refuge and also wants to talk about global hotspots like Haiti and Sudan.

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