Washington, D.C., Thursday, February 11, 2016

Thank you all for extending to me such a warm welcome to Washington.

I’m delighted to be here, and I’m equally delighted to have this opportunity to thank you for the outstanding work you do on our behalf here in D.C.

You don’t need me to tell you how much your work impacts the daily lives of Canadians. But let me reaffirm the great importance of the Canada-U.S. relationship to our country’s prosperity and well-being.

The partnership that exists between our two countries is singularly important to Canada.

We’re partners not just in economics, but in education, in science and research, in security, innovation, culture and countless other spheres.

We’re friends not just because of history, but because of all we hold dear in the present and will continue to cherish in future.

And we’re neighbours not just because of a shared border but thanks to a similar outlook that so often has us standing side-by-side on the global stage.

Of course, Canadians and Americans have their differences. Together, we strive to learn from them and to reach compromises.

Your work here at the Embassy of Canada is such an important part of this vital relationship.

I was delighted to have this opportunity to visit Washington and to follow in the footsteps of a number of my predecessors.

Both Lord Tweedsmuir, also known as John Buchan, and Vincent Massey, the first Canadian-born governor general, made State visits to D.C., in 1937 and 1954, respectively.

In more recent times, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson was here, on the solemn occasion of President Reagan’s funeral.

A lot of fascinating history attends these visits, and they help to illustrate that, ultimately, the Canada-U.S. relationship is all about people.

Just to emphasize the significance of that relationship, this is my 6th visit to the United States in less than 6 years. This partnership requires all hands on deck—particularly to reinforce the great work each of you does every day.  

Even in a globalized world, our partnership remains of vital importance to Canada.

In fact, you could argue that it’s more important than ever.

That’s why I’m so pleased to be here, to do what I can to help strengthen our ties. And that’s why I’m so admiring of your work as representatives of Canada in this great capital, outside the beltway and beyond.

This is a truly impressive embassy, both architecturally and as a cross-section of Canada’s people, priorities and government.

I’d like to say thank you to those of you who have helped to support my visit to Washington.

And thank you all for your professionalism and dedication to your work, and to Canada.

I wish you the very best.