Canada report

Allan Rock won't try to succeed Chretien

Allan Rock has abandoned plans to try to succeed Prime Minister Jean Chretien, who will retire next year.

The Industry minister said he felt it wasn't wise to enter a race he couldn't win.

"Paul Martin is the most popular politician in the country. He's a tough candidate to beat. That's the reality," Rock said. He was referring to the bid by Martin, who was ousted from the Cabinet in a rift with Chretien.

Rock's withdrawal raises questions about the chances of others seeking the position, which will be decided at a leadership convention in November.

Deputy Prime Minister John Manley is considered the best hope for Liberals seeking an alternative to Martin.

Heritage Minister Sheila Copps, who is also expected to enter the race, said Rock's decision not to run would make the leadership debate "less rich."

Rock wouldn't comment on whether he would serve in a Martin Cabinet or if he might seek the leadership at another time.

British Columbians ask for premier's resignation

Many people in British Columbia want Premier Gordon Campbell to resign after being arrested in Hawaii for drunken driving.

Maui police stopped Campbell after a party to celebrate his 55th birthday. His blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit for driving, they said.

In an emotional television broadcast, Campbell asked for forgiveness but said he won't resign for an offense committed while on a personal vacation. He also pledged to quit drinking and seek counseling.

In brief

Prime Minister Chretien says Canada's position on military action against Iraq is that it must be approved by the United Nations. He rejected speculation that Canada would join a U.S.-led military coalition acting without a U.N. mandate. Meanwhile, thousands of Canadians are attending rallies in 30 cities this weekend to oppose any plans for an attack on Iraq.

A meeting to "set the course of health-care renewal for years to come" will be held next month in Ottawa. The country's premiers will meet with Prime Minister Chretien on Feb. 4 and 5. "Canadians want improved access to health care 24 hours a day, seven days a week," Chretien said. "This is the time for action, not for rhetoric." The Canadian Police Association has endorsed the controversial federal gun registry program, calling it a key tool to reduce the misuse of guns. The group said the registry makes it easier for police to track down illegal guns and forces owners to be more accountable for their weapons.

Businessman Rod Bryden has made an offer for the insolvent Ottawa Senators of the NHL and the team's arena. The team is in bankruptcy protection with debts exceeding $160-million. This has prevented owners of the team, currently atop the Eastern Conference standings, from trying to relocate. It's reported that New York billionaire Nelson Peltz might be backing Bryden's bid.

Facts and figures

Canada's dollar was higher Friday at 65.15 U.S. cents while the U.S. dollar returned $1.5349 Canadian before bank exchange fees.

The Bank of Canada key interest rate is steady at 2.75 percent while the prime lending rate is 4.5 percent.

Canadian stock exchanges were higher, with the Toronto index at 6,757 points and the Canadian Venture Exchange 1,122 points.

Lotto 6-49: (Wednesday) 15, 17, 25, 36, 38 and 45; bonus 14. (Jan. 11) 5, 9, 26, 28, 32 and 41; bonus 40.

Regional briefs

Even though there's a 10-year ban on fishing for cod off eastern Nova Scotia, scientists are baffled by the disappearance of the once-thriving species. The Fisheries Resource Conservation Council said steps must be taken immediately to ensure its survival. In general, groundfish recovery remains weak throughout the Atlantic region.

A Montana woman and her son's attempts to enter Canada set off a bomb scare that forced the evacuation of Coutts, Alberta. The border town's 300 residents were out of their homes for four hours as Mounties investigated a note about a bomb. Police said that "due to her mental condition" the woman wasn't arrested but was returned to the United States.

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