This is his FIRST official visit to Canada since he took office.
He has declined an invitation to speak before Canadian Parliament because, according to his media people, he does not want to get heckled.
There were last minute arrangements in his visit to, instead of spending much time in the official part of the country, scoot right over to the Atlantic provinces to thank the (friendly, non-heckling, safe) people their for billeting and accommodation of the stranded US passengers during the 9/11 crisis.
The media has actually been training to wear gas masks as they want to be prepared for any possible outbreaks and be able to to report their observations if tear gas or pepper spray are deployed (as reported on CBC Sunday Report).
Canadians have been encouraged by the media to be polite and demonstrate restraint out of respect for the beef and softwood lumber industries which have been decimated by US trade policies and hope to see some forward movment.
No one here expects to actually see dubya, but the buses have been pouring into Ottawa for several days bringing protesters from across the country.
I've got popcorn....
-Dino