Bill and Hillary Clinton's excellent Ottawa adventure
Smiles all around as U.S. president, first lady visited Canada in 1995
When Hillary Clinton visited Ottawa as first lady with husband Bill, she got to see Canadian health care up close.
In February 1995, two years after his swearing-in, the 42nd American president had finally made his way up to Canada with his wife for a visit with Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.
"The trip lasted all of 30 hours," noted Peter Mansbridge, host of CBC's The National.
But in that time, the two leaders talked trade while Hillary Clinton visited a hospital before tying up a pair of skates to glide on the Rideau Canal.
Mutual admiration
"The president and the prime minister had nothing but praise for each other," noted correspondent Jason Moscovitz at the top of his report, as the two leaders stood at lecterns.
"He is a very, very good leader," said Clinton, speaking about Chrétien.
And Chrétien agreed wholeheartedly.
"You know, I have to salute a person like that," he said, speaking about his counterpart.
And that wasn't the end of the apparent regard the two shared.
"A state visit without a great deal of substance can get awfully boring," noted Moscovitz, who said that this particular meeting had more than enough "atmosphere" to make up for any lack of substance.
Moscovitz recalled the disdain Chrétien had held for his predecessor Brian Mulroney's chumminess with the American presidents he met with, saying he wouldn't feel the need to be on a first-name basis with any U.S. leader.
That had apparently changed.
"When we are alone, I don't call him William J.," said the prime minister. "I call him Bill."
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Hillary's health tour
Hillary Clinton, meanwhile, had also found something to admire: Canada's health care system.
Along with a Canadian advisor, she had spearheaded an initiative to reform the American system, which she watched go "belly-up," according to Moscovitz.
While visiting patients at an Ottawa hospital, the first lady spoke in praise of the "basic" level of care for every Canadian that "actually saves you money."
Surrounded by kids, as well as by at least one photographer on blades, Clinton then skated down the Rideau Canal.
"Obviously a person from Arkansas wouldn't even try this," said Moscovitz, noting her Chicago origins.
