Security at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport was tight last night, as reporters, government officials and protesters converged here in advance of President Bush's two-day summit with the leaders of Canada and Mexico.

Immigration officials quizzed incoming visitors with surprising intensity and specificity, especially when the summit was mentioned as the reason for the visit.

"You understand why we have to take it so seriously," said one immigration official in his early 20s, looking like a SWAT team member in all black, sans sidearm.

Of course, one of the main reasons for the summit is the Security and Prosperity Partnership, which is intended to boost trade and increase border security.

Also noted here, the morning TV news showed none other than comedian Rich Little performing last night in town. Mr. Little was the entertainer at this year's White House Correspondents Dinner, where he was roundly panned.

But Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien is apparently a huge fan of Mr. Little's, and said in the TV report the city had dubbed Aug. 19 as "Rich Little Day."

In addition, the Globe and Mail newspaper reports this morning that Mexican President Felipe Calderon is considering leaving the summit early to return home and help prepare his country for Hurricane Dean, which is headed for the Yucatan Peninsula.

-- Jon Ward, White House correspondent, The Washington Times