CANADA POOH-POOHS `SOUTH PARK' DEMONIZATION

CANADA POOH-POOHS `SOUTH PARK' DEMONIZATION

OTTAWA, Ont. (Wireless Flash) -- The plot of the new "South Park" movie suggests that Canada is an "evil empire," but Canadian officials aren't worried the film will cause a breakdown in American-Canadian relations. The foul-mouthed film climaxes with a war between Canada and the U.S., but insiders in the Canadian government say their reaction is more "of amusement than anything negative." One Canadian official who wishes to remain anonymous says even if "South Park" does cause a rift, "any publicity is good publicity." Meanwhile, March Dove, a spokesperson for the American Embassy in Ottawa, says she has yet to hear any complaints about the movie. Even if she does, Dove doubts "South Park" will have any effect on American-Canadian relations -- just as "Wag The Dog" had no effect on relations between the U.S. and Albania.

CONTACT: Canadian Embassy; Arrange with Chris Michaud; Washington, D.C.; (202) 682-1740; March Dove, ***1/2 (American Embassy in Canada); Ottawa, ONT; (613) 238-5335