Stephen Harper’s Absence Miffs AIDS Conference Attendees

Toronto is in the global spotlight this week as celebrities, royalty, and former world leaders attend the International AIDS Conference here.

But as the week of events got underway Sunday with a benefit concert at Rogers Centre, it was one man’s absence that became the focus. Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s decision not to attend the conference has ruffled many feathers.

One of the world’s top minds when it comes to the AIDS crisis, UN Special Envoy for AIDS/HIV in Africa Stephen Lewis, said the PM made a “dreadful decision” and an “inexcusable” mistake in political judgment by opting out of the event.

Conference co-chair Mark Wainberg echoed that sentiment at the benefit concert.

“Your absence sends a message that you do not regard HIV/AIDS as a critical priority, and clearly all of us here tonight disagree with you,” he said.

“The role of prime minister includes the responsibility to show leadership on the world stage.”

Another of Sunday night’s guests, actor Richard Gere, compared Harper to former U.S. President Ronald Reagan and his reluctance to address the AIDS issue.

“(He) refused to speak the word for eight years in office. Late in his life, he came to regret that, and he was deeply apologetic. I think you have a prime minister who will be deeply apologetic,” Gere opined.

Spokespersons for the PM said he couldn’t attend because he’s in Nunavut addressing potential sovereignty issues related to global warming. He sent Health Minister Tony Clement as Ottawa’s representative at the conference. Clement was booed soundly when he took to the podium to speak.

It’s not the first time Harper’s absence has sparked controversy. When Harper failed to attend the Out Games, a same-sex athletic event held in Montreal last month, he sent his public works minister, who also met a less than rosy reception.

Canadian politicians including NDP leader Jack Layton and MP wife Olivia Chow, Toronto Mayor David Miller and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty did manage to make scene.

“The prime minister is lacking in moral courage,” accused Chow.

Others in attendance included Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife Melinda, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Gere, singer-songwriter Alicia Keys, and the Crown Prince and Princess of Norway.

Some of the world’s leading specialists on the virus will also be in town to discuss how to prevent its spread and also how to better treat those who’ve contracted it.

About 40 million people around the world have it and that number continues to grow at a rapid rate.