Royal visit thaws Harper-Williams relations

St. John's Telegram
November 6, 2009

Prime Minister Stephen Harper (R) Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams pictured in this Janu. 11, 2008 file photo.

Photo by: Chris Wattie

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Although their relationship has been volatile at times because of disagreements over federal-provincial issues, it seems Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams and Prime Minister Stephen Harper made amends this week during the royal visit by Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

Williams said Thursday he did meet with Harper during his visit to the province Tuesday.

"We met for probably 30 to 40 minutes. We had a meeting after we concluded our ceremonies in Cupids," Williams said, describing it as "very cordial."

The premier said: "As everybody could see throughout the 24 hours when the prime minister was in town, he was very well received."

He said he had a chance to have a good chat with Harper, touching on a broad scope of issues very generally.

"And I'd have to say it was a good meeting," Williams said.