Stephen Harper called former Liberal prime minister Jean Chretien a "hypocrite" for indicating his absence from the Beijing Olympics further deteriorates Canada's relationship with the fastest growing economy on the planet.

"I had no intention of attending the Olympics," said Mr. Harper during a session with reporters at Hamilton General Hospital this week. "Mr. Chretien almost never attended an Olympics. Mr. Chretien is being a bit of a hypocrite."

Earlier this week Mr. Chretien said if he was prime minister, he wouldn't "hesitate for a second to attend the Olympics."Since Mr. Harper did not attend the prestigious event, Canada could suffer for the Conservative leader's decision, said Mr. Chretien.

He told the Canada Bar Association all the hard work Canada has done since Prime Minister John Diefenbaker has evaporated because of Mr. Harper's snub. Mr. Diefenbaker served as prime minister from 1957-63.

Mr. Harper has maintained he had a scheduling conflict and couldn't attend the opening ceremonies.

Foreign Affairs Minister David Emerson represented Mr. Harper at the games.

When a reporter pointed out U.S. President George Bush even attended the opening ceremonies, Mr. Harper was quick to respond: "I don't always do what Mr. Bush does."