Norway's King to focus on Games, not interest groups

Mark Hume
February 2nd, 2010
The Globe and Mail

Native leaders, environmental groups, scientists and politicians concerned about the impact of fish farms in British Columbia have written to His Royal Highness King Harald V of Norway asking for a meeting when he visits Vancouver during the Olympics.

But a spokesman for the Royal Norwegian Embassy, in Ottawa, says King Harald V is attending the Games to watch athletes perform - and he won't be taking time out to meet with any special interest groups.

The Crown Prince and Crown Princess will be at the first part of the Olympics and then the King and Queen, their Majesties, will be there for the second part," Jo Slatbak, Deputy Head of Mission for the Royal Norwegian Embassy said in confirming the royal attendance. When asked if the king would consider meeting with the groups that want to talk to him about the heavy involvement of Norwegian companies in B.C.'s controversial fish farming industry, Mr. Slatbak said it just wouldn't happen.

"No. When their Majesties are here they will be here as guests of the Norwegian Olympic committee and they will be watching the athletes and that's going to be the extent of their Majesties and their Royal family's visit in Vancouver," said Mr. Slatbak.

More than 170 people signed the letter to King Harald V, which was sent under the letterhead of the Pure Salmon Campaign, an umbrella organization leading the fight to have salmon farms moved out of waters used by wild salmon in B.C.

Read the full story in The Globe and Mail

Read related stories:

• Whistler Pique Newsmagazine; February 3, 2010; "Wild salmon advocates to leverage Olympics"

• The Globe and Mail, February 1, 2010; "The world watches Vancouver's homeless"