May 29, 2023
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Hello,
Before I welcome our guests, I would like to extend our thoughts to every Canadian impacted by wild fires the last few weeks. As first responders continue to battle blazes in the west, our attention is now also to communities in Nova Scotia. We thank all those who are working to keep people safe.
I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people who have lived on and cared for this land for thousands of years.
Once again, Whit and I are delighted to welcome you, President Jóhannesson and Ms. Reid, to Rideau Hall and to Canada. It’s such a pleasure to see you again.
We are happy to welcome you here to Rideau Hall.
We met last year in Iceland, during my visit to your beautiful country. I was there to celebrate our rich and deep ties, and to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. With this visit, we look forward to the next 75 years.
Earlier today, right here at Rideau Hall, we talked about the preservation of languages and the critical connection of language to identity and culture. We also attended an event that highlighted innovative approaches to addressing mental health issues faced by youth. These two topics are important to both of us, and vital to the well-being of our peoples, our countries and the world around us.
They are but two examples of what we share—how our two countries have so much that ties us together. And, together, we continue to chart a course towards greater
co-operation.
Of course, one of our most prominent personal connections also happens to be the First Lady of Iceland. We are so proud to welcome you back to Canada, Ms. Reid, and back home to the Ottawa area.
To Ms. Reid, I would add that we are proud of all you have accomplished in your adopted homeland of Iceland. You have been a great advocate for gender equality and for the immigrant experience, and a brilliant example for Canada overseas.
Your voice is vital, particularly as women—including women leaders and minorities—are increasingly suffering online attacks and threats. Both our countries are committed to combatting this issue, and I know that you and President Jóhannesson are allies in this fight.
By speaking up and speaking out—by sharing our stories—we can all make a difference. By working together, we fortify our efforts.
We can all influence change with our stories.
Canada and Iceland also have shared commitments to free trade, the environment, climate change, renewable energy and human rights. We are dedicated to peace and security, and are united in our condemnation of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable invasion and continued attacks on Ukraine. Territorial integrity is fundamental to the rules-based international order we work to uphold.
As well, Canada is home to one of the largest Icelandic diasporas—there are more than 100 000 Canadians of Icelandic descent. Through our many links, we have great opportunities to collaborate between our peoples.
One of those areas is our great partnership in the Arctic Council.
Back in 1994, when we began our talks, Iceland clearly supported Canada in the creation of the Arctic Council and the role of permanent participants. Canada was grateful for this support and collaboration.
While in Iceland last October, I attended the Arctic Circle Assembly, where people gathered to talk about a variety of issues, none so pressing to the North as a warming planet and the quickening pace of melting glaciers and ice flows.
Climate change is both a local and global challenge that we must address together.
Tomorrow, you travel east. You will see first-hand the immigration story experiences of Icelandic immigrants who arrived at Pier 21, in Halifax, many years ago. And you will learn more about Canadian fisheries, our partnerships in health research and marine science, and how the changing climate and warming seas are impacting the fishing industry.
There are so many areas of potential co-operation.
However we grow our relationship, I know it will be done on the strength of our combined experiences and the wisdom of our peoples.
Our common experiences and the wisdom of our people will guide us as we face our shared challenges.
In Inuktitut, the language of Inuit and the language I grew up speaking, there is a word I’d like to share: ajuinnata.
It is a word that means to never give up, to persevere no matter the odds, no matter the challenges we face.
We have many global problems to address, but I know that we can do so together. I know that whatever the future holds for our two nations, we will have a much better chance of success if we work together and if we continue to build on our already strong relationship.
As you meet with Canadians and engage in important conversations about our future, you will also be learning about our unique and diverse stories.
Stories define us and unite us. Our shared history is significant for both our peoples, and goes back more than a thousand years, when Icelandic explorer Leif Eriksson landed in L’Anse aux Meadows, in Newfoundland and Labrador. And our story is still ongoing.
I would like to thank you for visiting Canada, for Iceland’s continued partnership in the Arctic, and for being a great friend to Canada.
Let us all raise a glass as we celebrate this wonderful chance to strengthen our ties and to write the next chapter in our relationship.
Thank you.