News from the Embassy
- 2013-05-15 -
- 2013-05-15 -
- 2013-04-30 -
- 2013-03-21 -
An Arctic Evening
Washington, D.C., April 16, 2013 — The Embassy of Canada and Foreign Policy at Brookings co-hosted a reception and dinner in celebration of the official opening of the Embassy's Arctic Room and new gallery exhibit entitled The Accessible Arctic. The evening also served as a kick-off to the Brookings conference: The Arctic - Energy, Indigenous Communities and Governance. Guest speakers included the President of Iceland Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Senator Lisa Murkowski, and Bruce Amos of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society. Canada assumes chairmanship of the Arctic Council May 15th, 2013 thru 2015.
Francophonie Festival
Washington, D.C., March 22, 2013 — The highlight of the Francophonie Cultural Festival is the highly anticipated Grand Fête, which was held at La Maison Française on Friday March 22, 2013. The Embassy of Canada participated with over 35 other French speaking countries to showcase their culture, traditions and cuisines. Canada provided participants with a taste of Canada through ice wine samples and delicious maple butter tarts.
In Conversation with MacLean's
Washington, D.C., February 19, 2013 — Maclean's Magazine and CPAC hosted the In Conversation with MacLean's event "Canada-U.S.: What's the Future for Energy, Environment and Trade" on Tuesday, February 19th at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. Hosted by CPAC anchor Peter Van Dusen, the town hall discussion featured Gary Doer, Canada's Ambassador to the United States, Danielle Droitsch, Natural Resources Defense Council, Hon. John Manley, President & CEO of Canadian Council of Chief Executives, Mary Scott Greenwood, Senior Managing Director at McKenna Long & Aldridge, David Pumphrey, Senior Fellow and Director at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Paul Wells, Maclean's Political Editor, and Luiza Ch. Savage, Maclean's Washington Bureau Chief. Pannelists discussed the future of energy, trade and the environment on both sides of the border.
National Ballet of Canada
Washington, D.C., January 25, 2013 — Ambassadoer Doer, along with the National Ballet of Canada's Artistic Director Karen Kain, co-hosted an event celebrating the National Ballet of Canada's tour of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. The company last toured to the prestigious Kennedy Center in 2006, and Ms. Kain spoke to the guests about her hopes to return to DC in upcoming seasons.
Inauguration 2013
January 21, 2013 — The Embassy of Canada welcomed more than 1500 guests to its now-traditional 'tailgate' party in honour of President Barack Obama's second inauguration. The party and its theme, "Friends, Neighbours, Partners, Allies," highlighted the unique and close relationship between Canada and the United States. While the event was a celebration of the President's re-election and second term in office, it had a quintessentially Canadian flair. Party-goers enjoyed Tim Hortons' coffee, Beaver Tails pastries, poutine, Molson beer, Crown Royal cocktails, and an array of other classic Canadian delights. Guests were also given Canadian Olympic Team mittens, which support our athletes, to keep the cold at bay.
Host Ambassador Gary Doer was joined by Foreign Minister John Baird in welcoming Canadians and Americans alike to view the inaugural parade from the best seat in town — 501 Pennsylvania Avenue. Officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were on hand in full dress uniform to salute the President and Vice-President as the parade passed the Embassy. Guests were also thrilled by an out-of-this-world video message from Commander Chris Hadfield, the current commander of the International Space Station and the first Canadian to be honoured with the job. Closer to home, the robotic lunar rover cavorted with party attendees. The Canadian technology firm Research in Motion also provided guests with a fun, hands-on demonstration of its new Blackberry 10 and Blackberry Playbook devices, loaded with a special Canada-themed video app.
To view images of the event taken by Embassy photographer Keegan Bursaw, as well as Scott Henrichsen (scottfoto.com), please click here.
Fashion Soirée to Benefit the United Way
On November 30th, 2012 The Embassy of Canada held a "Fashion Soiree", the 2nd annual fundraiser to benefit the United Way. The evening featured a cocktail party where D.C's fashionistas and political players had a chance to mix, mingle, and bid on an impressive selection of silent auction items and raffle prizes, including a Pajar winter jacket, round trip airfare from Porter Airlines and a weekend stay at the Washington Fairmont Hotel. The fashion show, featuring all Canadian designers, a number of whom were in attendance, was the highlight of the night, showing the impressive array of talent and creativity that Canada has to contribute to the world of fashion.
DC Greening Embassies Forum
Washington, D.C., November 14, 2012 — The Embassy of Canada, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, hosted the D.C. Greening Embassies Forum on Sustainable Fleets and Commuting. Ambassador Doer discussed energy efficiency improvements at the Embassy, as well as ways in which the Embassy has greened its fleet of vehicles and implemented a staff bicycle program. Several low emission and alternative fuel vehicles were on display, including the Volkswagen TDI, Chevrolet Volt, and Motor Trend's 2013 Car of the Year, the Tesla Model S.
Remembrance Day
Washington, D.C., November 11, 2012 — The Embassy of Canada held the annual Remembrance Day ceremony on Sunday morning to commemorate and remember the servicemen and women that served their country. Major-General Nicolas Matern led the service in the courtyard of the embassy that saw service members from many international forces in attendance to pay their respects. Canadian military members then attended a wreath laying ceremony at the Canadian Cross of Sacrifice in Arlington National Cemetery. Following the ceremony, the contingent visited two Canadian tombstones to reflect and pay thanks for their sacrifice.
Statement by the Prime Minister • More photos
Washington Psychiatric Society awards Wellstone Mental Health Visionary award to Grand Challenges Canada
Washington, D.C., November 10, 2012 — On Saturday, November 10, 2012, the Washington Psychiatric Society hosted an evening reception at the Embassy of Canada presenting the Wellstone Mental Health Visionary Award to Grand Challenges Canada. Accepting on behalf of the organization was Dr. Peter A. Singer, Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abdallah Daar, Chief Scientific Officer, and Dr. Pamela Kanellis, Program Officer. "I am honoured to accept this award for Grand Challenges Canada," said Dr. Singer. "Mental health disorders are a leading cause of suffering and disability everywhere, but the problem is especially acute in the developing world."
Reception celebrating the release of the new film "Argo"
Washington, D.C., October 10, 2012 — Ambassador Doer hosted an eclectic mix of Hollywood stars and political leaders on Wednesday evening for a reception celebrating the release of the new film Argo, which tells the story of cooperation between Canada and the United States on the mission to help six American diplomats escape Iran during the 1979 hostage crisis. "Canada and the United States have always had each other's backs," Ambassador Doer, told the room. "That's an important message that's as important today". Argo's Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston and John Goodman joined the Ambassador in thanking the former Canadian Ambassador to Iran Ken Taylor, his wife Pat, CIA agent Tony Mendez and several of the escaped hostages who were in attendance for sharing their remarkable experiences. General David Petraeus, the Director of the CIA, was also on hand to pay tribute to one of his agency's most daring capers.
The Devil's Brigade at the Embassy of Canada
Washington, D.C., September 28, 2012 — At the Embassy of Canada last night, hundreds of Canadians and Americans gathered to recognize the only World War II unit consisting of volunteer troops from our two countries. Known as The Devil's Brigade, these Canadian and American soldiers had "remarkable cohesion" and trained for top-secret, dangerous and sometimes exceedingly risky missions at Fort Harrison near Helena, Montana.
Nominated for Congress' highest award, the Congressional Medal of Honor (S. 1460/H.R. 3767), these precursors to today's Special Forces were presented with a bipartisan Senate Resolution honouring their "selflessness" and "superior service". Also presented was a letter from Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL) — the House sponsor of Senator Baucus' (D-MT) Congressional Medal of Honor legislation. To bring the bill to a vote, it must have 66 co-sponsors in the Senate and 290 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives.
In an effort to raise the profile of this deserving unit, Bill Woon and the First Special Service Force Association continue to be a critical voice for these tough-minded Veterans. "What this journey has taught me is that the Devil's Brigade is one of the War's untold stories," said Woon. "And when you hear what these men accomplished and sacrificed, the experience gets in your soul and stays there."
In 251 days of combat, this volunteer Force of 1,800 soldiers — half Canadian, half American — captured more than 30,000 prisoners, won 8 Canadian battle honours, and 5 U.S. campaign stars. Supported by an additional 800 American soldiers, this top-secret bi-national unit never failed a mission yet suffered 2,314 casualties — 134 percent of their authorized strength.
Today, seventy years later, the special bond among these service members remains strong. They are an exemplary reminder of why the military partnership between Canada and the United States is the most integrated defense network in the world.
P90X Fitness Guru Tony Horton brings it to the Embassy of Canada: Canada Donates Fitness Resources to D.C Public Schools
Washington, D.C., September 20, 2012 — On September 20, 2012 a mix of military and civilian friends of Canada got a sweaty workout with P90X creator Tony Horton. Participants were able to test their fitness abilities with a seventy minute workout with Horton. The fitness guru is in Washington D.C. for a series of workout seminars.
As part of its 20 year partnership with the DC Public School System, the Embassy of Canada presented thirty three copies of Horton's "Power Half Hour" workout. Heather Holaday, Program Manager for Health and Physical Education, shared her gratitude with the Embassy for promoting the importance of physical health and fitness in the DC public schools. This donation will help students of fourteen middle schools and nineteen high schools understand the value of daily exercise.
The energy filled morning was followed by a friendly brunch and get together, where Tony Horton shared pointers on good nutrition.
Alexander Graham Bell Medals Donated to the National Historic Centre
Washington, D.C., July 5, 2012 — Ambassador Gary Doer hosted Parks Canada and descendants of the Bell Family in a transfer ceremony of cultural property belonging to Alexander Graham Bell. The property – a series of medals that used to belong to Mr. Bell – will be on display at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Centre in Nova Scotia, Canada. The Embassy was a fitting venue for the ceremony as following his invention of the telephone, Bell spent the rest of his life between his residences in Washington, D.C. and Baddeck, Nova Scotia.
Independence Day at the Embassy of Canada
Washington, D.C., July 4, 2012 — The Embassy of Canada and the Canadian American Business Council (CABC) co-hosted a reception on Independence Day, to celebrate the CABC's 25th anniversary, with special guest Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs). Guests were treated to a live performance by The Rogues, ahead of the spectacular fireworks display.
Canada Day Weekend
Washington, D.C., June 29/30 & July 1, 2012 — As part of the "Canada Day Across America" campaign, the Embassy co-sponsored a number of events around the greater DC area in celebration of Canada's 145th birthday. On June 29, Wonky Promotions and the Embassy of Canada teamed up to host DC's first ever official Poutine Party, in honour of Canada Day! The sold-out crowd enjoyed poutine (french fries, cheese curds and gravy), the hot weather and some great Canadian tunes. On June 30, the Embassy hosted a pre-game tailgate party at RFK Stadium, ahead of the soccer match against Montreal Impact, Major League Soccer's newest team. Hot dogs and cold Canadian beer helped ease the Impact's loss to DC United. On July 1, The Hamilton Live and the Embassy of Canada presented a special Canada Day Gospel Brunch featuring Canada's own Nathanial Dett Chorale.
100th Anniversary Calgary Stampede Breakfast
Washington, D.C., June 28, 2012 — The Embassy of Canada, the Alberta Office in DC and Enbridge co-hosted a traditional pancake breakfast, in celebration of the Calgary Stampede's 100th anniversary. Celebrity pancake flippers included former U.S. Ambassador to Canada, James Blanchard; Representative Bob Latta; Canadian chef Spike Mendelsohn; Representative Bill Huizenga; David Ferreiro, head of the National Archives and Records Administration; Representative Michael Grimm; Fox 5's Gwen Tolbart and Senator Jim Risch.
HMCS Iroquois Partakes in Baltimore's Star-Spangled Sailabration
Baltimore, MD, June 13, 2012 — The Embassy of Canada hosted a reception aboard the HMCS Iroquois to kick-off the Star-Spangled Sailabration in Baltimore. This annual festival of international tall-ships and naval vessels is especially important this year in commemorating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. The evening was a celebration of the strong relationship that has developed between the Canadian and US navies since the historic war. The Star-Spangled Sailabration features free tours of ships, an airshow with the Blue Angels and the world-premiere of "Overture for 2012" composed by Philip Glass.
Doughnut Wars at the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
Washington, D.C., June 7, 2012 — Two hundred years ago, Canada and the U.S. fought a war for sovereignty; two centuries later they competed for the best doughnut in Washington, D.C.! In honour of the bicentennial of the War of 1812 the Embassy of Canada and the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration co-hosted 'The Great Doughnut War of 2012' where guests were treated to Canadian Timbits and American Krispee Kremes. A panel of judges performed a blind taste-test of the doughnuts and although the victor in the War of 1812 remains disputed, Timbits were the clear majority winner amongst judges in the Doughnut War. The 1983 Canadian film, Strange Brew by Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas was also shown, making it a very Canadian evening overall.
Team Canada Races for the Cure
Washington, D.C., June 2, 2012 — Ambassador Doer, along with 100 other members of Team Canada, participated in the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure on the National Mall. Since the early 90's the Embassy has been a proud supporter of the race and the Komen Foundation's work to end breast cancer forever. Team Canada, which consisted of Embassy staff, family and friends, and local Connect2Canada members, was the top fundraising team in the International division with $11,871 in donations!
Komen Pre-race Kickoff at Embassy
Washington, D.C., June 1, 2012 — The Embassy of Canada was pleased to partner with the Komen Foundation in hosting the traditional Eve-of-Race BBQ honouring top fundraisers, sponsors, supporters and other celebrities in town for the Global Race for the Cure. Among Ambassador Doer's guests were actress and breast cancer advocate Gabrielle Union and rising country singer Colby Dee. Ambassador Nancy Brinker, Susan G. Komen's sister and Komen Foundation Founder, highlighted the alarmingly high breast cancer mortality rate in the Washington, DC area, and expressed her thanks for the contributions and continued support of the Embassy and those in attendance.
Embassy Hosts Canada's Top Spellers
Washington, D.C., May 29, 2012 — Ambassador Doer congratulated Canada's Postmedia Canspell Spelling Bee winners, Zhongtian Wang, Mignon Tsai and Jennifer Mong at the Embassy of Canada on May 29, 2011. They will be representing Canada at the Scripps National Spelling Bee May 29-31st in Washington, D.C. The final event will be broadcast at 8:00 P.M. Thursday, May 31st on ESPN. Go Canada!
Baird addresses religious freedom in Washington
Washington, D.C., May 24, 2012 — Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird delivers the keynote address at the 10th annual Religious Liberty Dinner, held today at the Embassy of Canada to the United States in Washington, D.C.
During his speech, Baird renewed Canada's commitment to a foreign policy that protects Canada's interests and promotes Canadian values, including freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. "Canada no longer simply 'goes along to get along' in the conduct of its foreign policy," he said.
Baird noted that history shows that religious freedom and democratic freedom are linked, and said Canada "will stand for what is principled and just, regardless of whether it is popular, convenient or expedient."
Commemorating 200 Years of Peace
Washington, D.C., May 23, 2012 — The Embassy of Canada hosted Dr. Eliot Cohen who spoke on his book "Conquered into Liberty" focusing on the War of 1812. This presentation led to the unveiling of the Embassy of Canada's new "War of 1812: Celebrating 200 Years of Peace" exhibit. Created in partnership with the National Archives and the Canadian War Museum, the exhibit is open from 9-5 until June 29th.
Embassy of Canada makes second visit to its Adopted School
Washington, D.C., May 9, 2012 — The Embassy of Canada's Culture & Outreach team along with Chef Thomas Naylor, the Executive Chef to the Ambassador, made their second visit of the school year to MC Terrell Elementary School, the Embassy's "adopted school". Chef Naylor provided a memorable cooking demonstration, showing the children how to make a healthy chicken salad with maple vinaigrette, followed by a maple ice cream for dessert. The children actively engaged in the presentation by reciting the recipe requirements to Chef Naylor and sharing thoughts on their first taste of Canadian maple syrup and Smarties. The Embassy Adopt-a-School Program, is a Washington, DC Public School Program in partnership with the Washington Performing Arts Society, and aims to enhance students' cultural competency, cross-cultural communication skills and understanding of their local and global community.
Baird and Clinton Make Friendly Hockey Playoff Wager
Washington, D.C., April 12, 2012 — Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, after finishing the meeting with their G-8 counterparts today, quickly got down to other serious business—wagering on round one of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs.
Secretary Clinton, formerly a senator for New York, and Minister Baird, an Ottawa native and avid Senators fan, are putting hometown pride on the line as the Rangers and Senators begin their best-of-seven series tonight in New York.
The Harper government and the Obama administration have a history of placing friendly wagers on hockey games, most notably during the 2010 Olympic Games—which saw Canada capture gold.
"Go Sens Go!"
Great Lakes Days
Washington, D.C., March 1, 2012 — From February 27 to 29 hundreds of Great Lakes region stakeholders joined together in Washington DC to discuss progress and priorities for the Lakes, and to advocate on Capitol Hill as part of Great Lakes Days. On February 28th, the Embassy of Canada hosted a Great Lakes Days Reception for the binational group of regional stakeholders. Canada and the United States have a long and proud history of joint stewardship of our shared natural resources.
Embassy of Canada to honour the first Special Forces Unit
Washington, D.C. — On February 29th, the Embassy of Canada was honoured to welcome five WWII veterans for an event recognizing them as members of the First Special Service Force (FSSF). Beginning with a screening of the Canadian documentary Daring to Die: The Story of the Black Devils followed by a reception, the evening aimed to build recognition and support for the FSSF and the campaign to award them the Congressional Gold Medal.
The event was attended by Members of Congress, including the sponsor of the Congressional Gold Medal bill, Montana Senator Max Baucus, co-sponsor and fellow Montana Senator John Tester, and Congressmen Manzullo, Owens and Huizenga, as well as 200 some guests, including congressional military fellows, Canadian Parliamentarians, the Commander of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, Brigadier-General Thompson, and Brigadier General Duff, Deputy Commanding General of the United States Army Special Forces Command (Airborne). The event contributed to the bill's momentum and gave a personal and poignant touch to the efforts, through hearing the personal experiences of the veterans first hand.
News release • Media: CTV; Global News
Lieutenant General Charles Bouchard visits Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., February 14-16, 2012 — Lieutenant General Charles Bouchard, Commander of the NATO-led Operation Unified Protector in Libya, visited Washington D.C. to discuss the mission, lessons learned and to offer his outlook on international cooperation in the future. In presentations at the Atlantic Council, the Embassy of Canada, and on Capitol Hill, General Bouchard explained how coalition missions bring unique challenges and benefits, and that while important work remains in the region, Libya is making progress towards democracy. A video of his presentation at the Atlantic Council is available.
The Washington Capitals "Mentors Trip" visits the Embassy of Canada
Washington, D.C., February 13, 2012 — As part of the annual "Mentors Trip", several hockey Dads of the Washington Capitals' players met with Ambassador Gary Doer on February 13 at the Embassy. Harold Laich, father of Saskatchewan born Brooks Laich, one of the Caps star Forwards, presented the Ambassador with a Washington Capitals jersey signed by the team. This was the perfect addition to the 'Hall of Jerseys' on display at the Embassy, pictured above. The Embassy of Canada and the Washington Capitals Organization enjoy a long-standing partnership in the community.
Ambassador Doer hosts the NHL Winnipeg Jets at the Embassy
Washington, D.C., February 9, 2012 — Ambassador Doer hosted the Winnipeg Jets at the Embassy on February 8th. Just as the Jets logo is a nod to the Royal Canadian Air Force, the event at the Embassy honoured the Canadian and US Air Forces. The Winnipeg Jets made a glorious return to Winnipeg for the 2011-2012 NHL season after a 15 year hiatus. The following evening the Jets beat their Division rival Washington Capitals in a stunning shoot-out victory 3-2.
Embassy honors Parks Canada
Washington, D.C., January 23, 2012 — The Embassy of Canada hosted a reception on January 23rd in honor of Parks Canada being presented with World Wildlife Fund International's prestigious Gift to the Earth award for globally significant conservation achievements. Ambassador Doer and guests also paid tribute to Parks Canada's 100th anniversary of its establishment in 1911 as the world's first national parks service.
Chef Thomas Naylor on Being Diplomatic in the Kitchen
Washington, D.C., December 16, 2011 — There's an old stupid joke about yogurt having more culture than Canada, but it will only take five minutes with chef Thomas Naylor to highlight just how incorrect that is. The 10-year veteran of the position of chef at the Canadian embassy allowed Eater to step behind the scenes during a recent event for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He discussed cooking for diplomats and Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as Canadian culinary delights from caribou to cod cheeks with scruncions.
