After the first joint meeting between U.S. President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the two governments pledged cooperation on climate change issues, particularly implementation of the Paris climate accord signed in December and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas extraction.
Advertisement
Mr. Obama opened his remarks by noting that Trudeau’s trip is the first official visit by a Canadian prime minister in almost 20 years.
“Our countries are no different but, in terms of our interests and values and how we approach the world, few countries match up the way the United States and Canada do”.
When Canada’s Liberal Party won a surprise victory in national elections last October, most power sector insiders anticipated a more robust stance on climate change from incoming Prime Minister Justin Trudeau than had been staked out by his Conservative predecessor. Obama said they had instructed aides to work on efforts that would make it easier for goods and people to move back and forth between the two nation’s borders.
Standing beside Obama, Trudeau shook his head, waved his finger and said, “Don’t get me started”. “Where is the Stanley Cup right now?” Obama asked. “I’m sorry, is it in my hometown with the Chicago Blackhawks?”.
Lots of anticipation about what each woman will wear at Thursday night’s state dinner for the Trudeaus.
“He comes up all the time”, said Siddle, showing her colours with a red Canadian scarf.
It offered a straight-up Associated Press news story on its website, focused on U.S.-Canada ties, as well as Trudeau and Obama’s expected discussions on trade and the environment.
The 44-year-old leader’s arrival marks the first official visit by a Canadian prime minister in 19 years.
“There is developing a special relationship between this president and the prime minister”, said Mark Feierstein, a senior member of the president’s National Security Council.
The political chasm between Harper and Obama manifested in a number of ways, “most notably in the nearly complete freezing out of Obama’s ambassador to Canada”, Byers said. “The President and I agree on many things, including of paramount importance the direction we want to take our countries in to ensure a clean and prosperous future”. They also appeared to enjoy each other’s company, with Obama playing the role of elder statesman and Trudeau sounding a youthful “hope and change” theme like the one Obama campaigned on seven years ago.
Conservationists are also watching for Obama and Trudeau to discuss management of the Arctic, including energy development and shipping in the region.
Trudeau points out that some of the top players on the team come from Canada.
If Obama had his way – and he’s president, so technically he can – the Stanley Cup could be part of the state dinner decor.
Speaking of the border plan, Trudeau said the USA and Canada have agreed to make their border “both more open and secure”, with an agreement that would facilitate pre-cleared travelers’ movement through certain airports and train stations.
“Well, by virtue of geography, the United States and Canada are blessed to be neighbours and by choice we are steadfast allies and the closest of friends”.
Advertisement
The visit will include the first state dinner for a Canadian prime minister in almost two decades.
