Former Calgary police chief Rick Hanson slams Denis Coderre: We need statesmen, not comedians

Calgary's former police chief iscondemning Montreal mayor Denis Coderre for his abrasive comments about constructing new oil pipelines in the country.

Among several remarks, CoderretoldRadio Canada: "First of all, you have to allow me a moment to laugh at a guy likeBrian Jean, when he says he relies on science. These are probably the same people who think theFlintstonesis a documentary."

We need statesmen. We don't need comedians- Rick Hanson, former police chief

Jean, the leader of the Wildrose party, fired back accusing Coderreof gutter politics.

Rick Hanson spoke out about Coderreduring a Thursday speech about terrorism.

"He doesn't realize the damage he does by insulting people and contributing to the inflammatory conversation," said Hanson at a Calgary Chamber of Commerce event.

• Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre says Energy East pipeline too risky
• Alberta Wildrose leader accuses Montreal mayor of 'gutter politics'

Unnecessarily fanning the flames ofthe pipeline debate could motivatepeople to take extreme action, according to Hanson.

"This is a time in our history when we need statesmen. We don't need comedians," Hanson told reporters."The issues we are facing today really do require thoughtful dialogue, debate and conversation."

• Rick Hanson says roots of terrorism poverty, lack of family supports

Hanson, aformer RCMP officer, organized security for a G8 meeting and participated in a FBI counter-terrorism program during his 40year policing career. He retired last year.

Civil debate

"You can look and see the inflammatory words, the rhetoric around this debate and say 'hey, if I do this, if I do something overt against pipelines, for instance, and blow up critical infrastructure, there's going to be some people in this country who think I'm a hero,'"Hanson said.

Regionalism will always be a barrier to finding the solution to a problem,said Hanson, adding that being dismissive and picking fights isnever helpful.

A few weeks ago,Coderre announcedhis city's officialopposition to the proposed Energy East pipeline project, arguingthe potential risksoutweigh possible economic benefits to his community. Hewas joined by mayors from neighbouring cities including Laval and Longueuil.

Hanson is not the only one to call for more civil debate. Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshiexpressed the need for more "thoughtful conversation"on Energy East rather than asideshow.