Common menu bar
Breadcrumb
News from the Embassy — 2008
RCMP/DEA Lecture Series 2008
Washington, D.C., December 22, 2008 — The Embassy of Canada, in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Museum, recently completed a 2-part lecture series showcasing Canadian-U.S. law enforcement cooperation and illicit drug successes. On November 20th and December 2nd, 2008, RCMP and DEA officials gave presentations focused on past successful illicit drug operations including Project Codi/Candy Box and Operation O'Skillet/Sweet Tooth.
The Embassy of Canada hosts event for "One Voice for Trade"
Washington, D.C., December 18, 2008 — On December 3, 2008, Guy Saint-Jacques, Deputy Head of Mission, hosted an event for the participants to the "One Voice for Trade" conference organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as part of their International Trade Leadership Program. He took this opportunity to amplify Canada's already strong voice for free trade and to highlight how Canada-U.S. trade is helping our economies during this period of uncertain times.
Speech • U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Trade Roots
Embassy staff volunteer to enhance the city’s tree canopy
Washington, D.C., December 5, 2008 — On November 22, 2008, staff from the Embassy of Canada partnered with Casey Trees, a D.C. area NGO with the mandate to restore and protect the tree canopy of the Nation's Capital, to plant 12 trees. The red oak trees were planted on the corner of 20th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, NW.
Minister Clement visits Washington to consult on auto industry
Washington, D.C., November 20, 2008 — The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, and the Honourable Michael Bryant, Ontario's Minister of Economic Development, travelled to Washington, D.C., to gather information on options being considered by the U.S. government to assist the automotive sector.
Craft Fair and Wine Tasting at the Embassy of Canada
Washington, D.C., November 17, 2008 — Come experience Canadian wine, art, music and much more! The Embassy of Canada will host its 3rd annual craft fair on November 21, 2008 from 10 AM until 7:30 PM and November 22, 2008 from 10 AM until 5 PM. Part of the proceeds will benefit the United Way.
Prime Minister Harper travels to Washington for the Summit on financial markets and the world economy
Washington, D.C., November 15, 2008 — Prime Minister Stephen Harper travelled to Washington on November 14-15 to participate in the Summit on financial markets and the world economy. Further to the Summit, the Prime Minister was accompanied by Ambassador Wilson and the Finance Minister Jim Flaherty during a media availability held at the Embassy of Canada.
Canada receives award for apology to all former students of Indian Residential Schools
Washington, D.C., November 14, 2008 — At an event hosted at the Embassy of Canada, Search for Common Ground, an international non-profit organization, presented an award to the Government of Canada for its apology to all the former students of Indian Residential Schools.
2008 Rising State Leaders Program
Washington, D.C., July 29, 2008 — In collaboration with the Council of State Governments and Canadian Consulates across the United States, the Embassy completed the 2008 Rising State Leaders Program between June 23rd and July 4th. Once again, State Leaders (11 from VT, MD, SC, OH, MI, MN, WY, KS, SD, and IN) had an opportunity to travel across Canada visiting Edmonton, Ft. McMurray, Regina, Ottawa, Halifax, Montreal and Quebec City.
During the educational working tour, participants met with numerous ministers and elected officials from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec, senior corporate executives, military leaders, U.S. Ambassador Wilkins, and other key persons. Participants had the opportunity to touch on issues of interest to both Canada and the United States such as energy, environment, agriculture, border security, shared economic prosperity, the competitiveness of the North American supply chain, the military collaboration in Afghanistan as well as health care issues.
The Honourable Bob McLeod, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment of the Northwest Territories, in Washington, DC to discuss energy and polar bears
Washington, D.C., July 9, 2008 — On June 23-26, 2008, a delegation of the Government of the Northwest Territories visited Washington, led by the Honourable Bob McLeod, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. The objectives were to raise the territory’s profile within the North American energy market by promoting the benefits, both economical and environmental, of Arctic gas, and to discuss the recent U.S. ruling on polar bears and its implications for the territories' sport hunting industry. The delegation had meetings with Members of Congress, the Department of Energy, the Department of the Interior and the State Department, as well as think tanks and business leaders in DC. The Minister was accompanied by Mr. David Krutko (MLA, Mackenzie Delta), Mr. Jackie Jacobson (MLA, Nunakput) and Ms. Deborah Archibald, Acting Deputy Minister.
The Honourable Shawn Graham, Premier of New Brunswick, in Washington to discuss business and energy
Washington, D.C., July 9, 2008 — On June 17-19, 2008, the Honourable Shawn Graham, Premier of New Brunswick visited Washington, DC for a full program of meetings. The objective of the visit was to raise awareness of New Brunswick with key influencers in the U.S. capital. The Premier met with a number of senior officials at the Department of Energy, the General Services Administration and with Members of Congress. Premier Graham also took the opportunity to discuss investment and business opportunities in New Brunswick with a number of key U.S. companies. He highlighted New Brunswick's diverse energy supply and growing export capacity, strategic transportation links with New England and emerging economic sectors.
Embassy Celebrates Canada Day with Style
Washington, D.C., July 2, 2008 — Canada Day 2008 at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, D.C. was a resounding success. With over 3,000 people in attendance, Canadian music, a Redskins football player, Top Chief’s Spike Mendelson, the Canadian Ambassador, the Washington Capitals’ mascot, hot-dogs, hamburgers, poutine and Canadian beer, the Canadian Embassy’s celebration of Canada Day was the hottest thing cooking on Capitol Hill. The highlight of the day was when all in attendance, Canadians and friends of Canada, sung a rousing rendition of the Canadian national anthem, “O Canada”. To join the fun next year and receive updates on other activities with fellow Canadians, visit www.connect2canada.com and join the network!
"All Politics is Local 2008" — Canadians and Americans, Creating Jobs Together. Does Your Congressman Know That?
Washington, D.C., June 13, 2008 — In collaboration with thirteen Canadian missions in the United States, the Embassy's second full scale All Politics is Local (APIL) event took place on June 11, 2008. Heads of Mission had some 68 meetings on Capitol Hill and more than 140 US dinner guests heard the Ambassador reiterate the APIL objective and key messages - that 7.1 million jobs in the US are supported by trade with Canada, that "we make things together" and that, to remain competitive on the global stage, Canada and the US must create a "North American economic space" unhindered by unnecessary regulatory costs and barriers. All thirteen Consuls General participated in a one-minute video taping which aired that evening - each with one critical line of advocacy messaging. These can be viewed on Connect2Canada. In addition to the media coverage of the APIL event, an opinion letter was published under Heads of Mission's signature in key regional newspapers, including the Detroit Free Press, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Seattle Times, the Tucson Citizen, the Eagle-Tribune, the Legislative Gazette (New York), the Helena Independent Record and the Maine Forest Product Council’s Newsletter.
"Canada Day Across America" 2008
Washington, D.C., June 12, 2008 — Counting down to Canada Day? Get ready to celebrate Canada's birthday with the Third Annual "Canada Day Across America"! Starting this week, Connect2Canada is featuring a list of known Canada Day gatherings throughout the United States. We want to ensure that the many Canadians and friends of Canada across the United States are included in the festivities. We hope you will join us by showing your Canadian spirit and celebrating the friendship we enjoy with American friends and neighbours. If you are having friends and family over for a BBQ or hosting an event for hundreds, you can go on-line and tell us about your party! This year, you can also show your Canada Day spirit by sharing your photos, so they can be featured on the Connect2Canada site. To learn more, visit www.connect2canada.com.
Canada is making progress in and around Kandahar
Washington, D.C., June 3, 2008 — Arif Lalani, Ambassador of Canada to Afghanistan, says Canada is making progress in and around Kandahar — in both security and reconstruction. Ambassador Lalani spoke with NPR Morning Edition host Renee Montagne.
The Embassy of Canada hosts third anniversary celebration for Ayenda Foundation
Washington, D.C., May 30, 2008 — "Hundreds of distinguished guests attended a dinner reception to celebrate the third anniversary of the Ayenda Foundation, the Afghan Children Initiative, at the Embassy of Canada on May 29, 2008. The Ayenda Foundation supports projects that enhance the welfare, education, health, shelter, safety, artistic and athletic abilities of Afghan children – especially girls.
"The Embassy of Canada is very pleased to be the host of this year's annual benefit in support of Ayenda Foundation", said Michael Wilson, Ambassador of Canada to the United States. "Like many of our international partners, Canada is committed in helping rebuild Afghanistan as a stable, democratic and self-sufficient society."
Press release, Ambassador Jawad's speech and Ambassador Wilson's speech
Young Canadian spellers at the Embassy of Canada
Washington, D.C., May 29, 2008 — Twenty-two of Canada’s top spellers, who are competing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington this week, visited the Embassy on May 27th for a special reception hosted by Ambassador Michael Wilson. The group are regional finalists from across Canada. All of them competed in the CanWest Canspell National Spelling Bee held in Ottawa last month, which secured them a trip to the Scripps Bee. The championship will be broadcast live at 8 p.m. ET on May 30th on ABC-TV. Visit www.canspell.com for regular updates on the Canadian spellers.
Canadian Students Help Defeat Global Warming
Receiving top honours the first year for its modeling and simulation of its hydrogen fuel cell system, the team of UW students has made significant technological advances in implementing the most challenging technology among the competing university teams.
On May 21st all of the winners of ChallengeX participated in a finish line ceremony at L’Enfant Plaza in Washington, DC. U.S. Secretary of Energy, Samuel Bodman, Beth Lowry, vice president, Environment, Energy and Safety Policy from GM and Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Wilson presented the awards.
50 Years of American Photojournalism: 1939-1989 - a photography exhibition at the Embassy of Canada
Washington, D.C., May 16, 2008 — The photography exhibition 50 Years of American Photojournalism: 1939-1989 featuring the world-renowned Black Star Historical Black & White Photography Collection, owned by Canadian Ryerson University, is currently on display at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, D.C. The Embassy Art Gallery is open to the public Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free.
Senior provincial and territorial officials meet in Washington, DC
Washington, D.C., May 12, 2008 — Senior officials from Canadian provinces and territories met in Washington on May 5-6, 2008, for the Canadian Embassy’s annual consultations with provincial and territorial partners. The two-day session is a key platform that provides an opportunity to foster more collaboration with provincial and territorial officials and to update them on current priorities and developments in the Canada-U.S. relationship.
This year’s event kicked-off with a welcoming breakfast hosted by Ambassador Wilson with guest speaker Ronald Brownstein, Political director, Atlantic Media Company (Atlantic Monthly, National Journal, The Hotline and Congress Daily) who provided a fascinating overview of the 2008 elections. Participants also drew tremendous value by hearing from first-rate speakers and policy experts on issues related to climate change and energy, agriculture, border and trade issues, the state of the U.S. economy, as well as on state government and politics and the state of play of the 2008 general elections. They also heard from three of Canada’s Consuls General in the U.S.: Marc LePage (San Francisco), Neil LeBlanc (Boston) and Georges Rioux (Chicago).
Deputy Minister of Alberta to stress environmental stewardship in oil sands production
Edmonton, Alberta, April 29, 2008 — Strengthening Alberta-U.S. relations and reinforcing Alberta’s commitment to environmentally sustainable development of the oil sands are the main areas of focus for Ron Stevens, Deputy Premier and Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations, as he travels to Washington, DC, April 26-30.
“Alberta remains committed to building on the foundations of its strong relations with the United States,” said Stevens. “We are at a critical stage where we need to demonstrate to the world that we are a global leader in responsible resource development and in technology and innovation.”
Stevens stated that Alberta will continue to find new and innovative solutions to expand energy production in an environmentally responsible manner, despite opposition from groups whose goal is an oil-free world. He stressed that Alberta has already demonstrated a commitment to find solutions. [...]
Press Release and Media Availability (audio file)
A delegation of Canadian parliamentarians visit Washington to press border, energy and trade issues with Members of Congress
Washington, D.C., April 28, 2008 — A delegation of seven Canadian parliamentarians visited Washington on April 22-25 as members of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (IPG). Co-Chairs Rob Merrifield, M.P. (C) and Hon. Jerry Grafstein, Senator (L), were accompanied by Hon. David Angus, Senator (C), Hon. Judy Sgro, M.P. (L), Hon. John McKay, M.P. (L), Mr. James Rajotte, M.P. (C) and Mr. Paul Crête, M.P. (BQ).
The IPG delegation met with more than 30 Representatives and Senators, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi. In addition to congressional meetings, the group attended a dinner co-hosted by the Canadian Exporters & Manufacturers and the National Association of Manufacturers, a lunch hosted by the Canadian-American Business Council and participated in roundtables on the Hill organized by the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region. Both the Canadian and American members of the Canada-U.S. Interparliamentary Group will meet in Santa Fe on May 16-19 for the association's 49th Annual Meeting.
Media Availability (audio file)
Welcome to the new Connect2Canada!
Washington, D.C., April 18, 2008 — Connect2Canada has a new design, and we invite you to take your first look. The site offers a number of new features, including: a national events calendar with lots of Canadian-related events in the U.S.; a new sign-up page with additional ways to stay informed about Canada; you can now share articles with friends using social bookmarking web services; sign up for RSS feeds to receive the latest Connect2Canada newsletters and alerts; an updated Get the Facts page. Since the Canada Day 2005 launch, the C2C network has grown to over 35,000 members. We appreciate your interest and loyalty, and encourage you to share this message with others, so they too can get updated, connected, and involved.
Record Attendance for first downtown Washington, DC walk MS
Washington, D.C., April 14, 2008 — On Saturday, April 5, 2008, the Embassy of Canada partnered with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's National Capital Chapter in support of the 20th anniversary of walk MS. 2008 saw the first year walk MS hit downtown Washington, DC with the Embassy and adjacent John Marshall Park serving as both the start and finish lines for the 3 mile event. The event was intended to have around 1000 participants but over 2500 showed up in support of this worthy cause. The Embassy was especially pleased to welcome Nancy Lester, one of the $10,000 plus fundraisers for the MS Society of Canada's Ontario Chapter. As her prize for top fundraising, Nancy chose to attend walk MS in Washington, DC. She was joined by other notable attendees including NBC4's Doreen Gentzler, members from the Washington Wizards dance team and Screech, the Washington Nationals Mascot.
Embassy of Canada Banner to Welcome Newseum
Washington, D.C., April 7, 2008 — The Embassy of Canada in Washington, D.C. is pleased to announce the display of a new banner welcoming the Newseum to the "most dynamic block between the White House and the Capitol". The banner is located on the exterior wall of the Pennsylvania Avenue side of the building. The Embassy of Canada and the Newseum have partnered on many successful events since the 2003 groundbreaking, and we look forward to the Newseum's much anticipated public opening on April 11th.
Embassy of Canada Hosts Security Products and Technology Trade Mission
Washington, D.C., March 27, 2008 — On February 26, 2008 the Embassy of Canada hosted a trade mission of 22 Canadian companies which specialize in security products and technologies, with capabilities including threat detection, explosives disposal, communications systems, and surveillance equipment. Participants met with large U.S. systems integrators, including ARINC, Boeing, DRS Technologies, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and SAIC, tier two and tier three product suppliers, and veteran-owned businesses for a series of more than 100 one-on-one business development meetings. For more information about how we can help introduce U.S. and Canadian businesses, contact your local office of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.
Archives —2007
