Another PR blitz alert!
The Globe and Mail (Canada) reports Canada turns on the charm to woo U.S.:

WASHINGTON -- Tim Hortons doughnuts, Malpeque oysters, Celtic music and a barrage of Canadian jokes.

It may sound like a sure-fire recipe for indigestion. But it's actually part of a major new public relations push to remind Americans that Canada is a vital trading partner, a trusted ally and a loyal friend.

Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew is coming to Washington on Wednesday to host a one-day charm blitz directed at members of Congress, their staff and government officials.

Zzzzzz.

Now, Canada is ramping up an effort to get relations back on track. There are plans to reopen as many as half a dozen consulates across the United States, step up lobbying and use advertising more aggressively. It's also paying proxy groups -- including mayors, trade associations and other private sector alliances on both sides of the border -- to take its case to decision makers in Washington and across the United States.

That's the spirit! When's the next Buddhist temple hoedown? And don't forget to bring cash!

The timing of Mr. Pettigrew's Washington visit is emblematic of how badly out of sync the two governments have slipped. While the Minister is serving doughnuts and lecturing members of Congress on softwood lumber, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell will be handing the United Nations long-awaited intelligence information to justify war against Iraq.
...
Canadian officials concede the timing is unfortunate. But the aim of the event -- as well as the other advocacy work -- is to make sure Washington politicians have "a clear picture of the contribution Canada makes globally to the security of the United States and its economic prosperity," said Sébastien Théberge, Mr. Pettigrew's spokesman.

Yep, Sébastien used present tense. He must not be keeping up with current events.

Mr. Sands noted that the Canadian government used to devote a lot more resources to image building in the United States. That has dwindled since the completion of the Canada-U.S. free-trade agreement and later the North American free-trade agreement. There are now a dozen Canadian government offices or consulates across the United States, plus the embassy in Washington. Even with six new full consulates -- possibly in Denver and Miami -- Canada would still have fewer than half as many as Mexico.

"Mexico has cleaned Canada's clock," Mr. Sands said. "They focus on building ties to local communities and they throw money around. Canada used to be the king of this game. Canada was one of the countries that had a reputation for working discreetly, but effectively. Canada has been outflanked and it's in a tough environment."

Yeah, but the Mexican consulate franchise operation is to keep the illegal immigrants flowing into the USA and the money flowing back to Mexico.

Canadian officials have developed a reputation of always needing something when they come calling in Washington and elsewhere, Mr. Sands said. The reservoir of goodwill toward Canada is badly depleted, and it will take more than PR to replenish it, he added.

And Mexico doesn't "need" something?

As always, the people of Canada are separate and distinct from the wingnuttery of their government.