That's what we've been promised, at least, by the PMO communications office that never sleeps, which is why my eyes are now glued to the live feed, as we await the PM's arrival. Right now, that means staring at a backdrop of two Canadian flags and an empty lectern, with the occasional brief cameo appearance by a technician, but any minute now, the promised media availability is set to get underway -- so join me, won't you?
5:06 PM
Honestly, it's kind of cute how so many of us -- your humble liveblogger included -- really, truly, expected that the Harper press conference would start at the crack of 5pm -- after all, the heads up from his office did say it would be 5 "ish" after all, and we all know what "ish" means when it comes to Prime Ministerial Standard Time. It's also possible that he doesn't want to risk stealing airtime from a fellow world leader: President Obama is, as it turns out, addressing assembled reporters at a competing news conference back at the conference centre. At least, that's what it sounds like from the TV behind me; I am, as previously noted, riveted by those forlornly non-waving Canadian flags.
Wait, was that Terry Milewski who just passed in front of the camera? He's not leaving, is he?
5:18 PM
Hey, there he is! The PM, that is -- not Terry Milewski, who may or may not be somewhere in the crowd of what I'm betting are some pretty darned tired and cranky journalists. As usual, he gives the first part of his opening statement in French, and then announces, with an admirable effort to insert himself into ongoing events, that "we" have an agreement, despite the fact that last time I checked, Canada wasn't listed as one of the signatories to the five-country deal. Not only do "we" have a deal, but apparently, that whole continental approach to climate change is still a go -- we'll be harmonizing with our southern neighbours -- but the "toughest hurdles" have been cleared today.
5:31 PM
First question from CanWest, and the "science" of climate change; the reporter wonders if the PM will be as definitive as the president was earlier this week, and he obliges, mostly, by touting the preponderance of evidence.
Next up, Terry Milewski, who speaks so softly that I miss the first part of his question, but the second half is pretty easy to grasp: what about the oil sands? Yes, what about them? Harper, whose smile looks just the tiniest bit forced, points out that he actually had three questions there. Ah, but how many will result in answers? That's always the question. Anyway, the PM starts by congratulating our negotiators for their hard work -- he's definitely trying to give the impression -- which may, for all I know, be entirely correct -- that today's last-minute deal was actually the cumulative result of all those long, seemingly futile meetings that took place during the lead up to today's meeting. As for the oil sands, the PM reminds us that the oil sands are far from the only emitter, and that any 'regime' will have to cover more than just that sector.
Readers, you might recall my 
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