Two words: Damage control.
At least he has the presence of mind to realise that he screwed up by, well, dithering instead of acting decisively to protect these Canadians.
Considering the security risks, I would rather see them sending an empty plane and meet them in Cypress. 100 unknown folks from a country filled with terrorists on a plane with a world leader and his family.
The only reason Harper is going is that the lieberals have so ravaged the CAF that there is no one else left. Good on him for tyring but I doubt we have enough IMPs to feed the lot for even a week. Hope he brings his VISA.