Well Harper wanted the limelight for himself.Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean has asked and been twice denied a greenlight to visit troops in Afghanistan while watching the prime minister and foreign affairs minister make the same visit, The Canadian Press has learned.
Sources say security concerns were cited as a reason for advising the Governor General not to make the same trip made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay.
Jean, who is commander-in-chief of Canada's armed forces, told military officials early this year she wanted to visit the Kandahar military base, where 2,200 Canadian troops are stationed.
The Governor General also asked to visit Canadian aid workers at a nearby provincial reconstruction camp.
But she was told such a trip would be fraught with danger and it would be best if she waited.
She was also told that the trip could compromise military operations.
Jean then watched the prime minister make the very same trip in March after she was advised by DND officials not to go.
Jean asked again after Harper and Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor made their surprise visit to the strife-torn country.
Again, Jean was told conditions on the ground were too dangerous to permit a trip to the region.
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