Looking for his first victory on the Tour since turning pro in 2008, the 25-year-old Wood has the trio of compatriot Simon Khan, Swede Alexander and New Zealander Michael Campbell as his closest challengers going into Saturday's final round.
Indeed most of western Canada was first mapped and explored by young Scottish fur traders such as Alexander Mackenzie and Simon Fraser, after whom some major north-west waterways are named.
They discussed the crisis with Ms Alexander, UK Industry Minister Brian Wilson, Scotland Office Minister George Foulkes and Simon Kirkby, head of BAE Systems marine division.