Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family left the Amercian capital this evening to return to Ottawa. it was the first state visit of a Canadian Prime Minister to Washington, D. C. in 19 years.
For Nelson Wiseman, Professor in the Political Studies Department, and Director of the Canadian Studies Program at the University of Toronto, the optics of the Washington visit were as good for President Obama, as they were for Prime Minister Trudeau.
Listen\“Canada and the United States make history when they work together.”
Professor Wiseman says that many Canadians are pleased with the international attention the state visit garnered. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, as the visit was winding down, that Canada and the United States make history when they work together. In an interview with the CBC Trudeau said, “We came here to get things done. And on that front, our time here in Washington has been a tremendous success,”
Canada’s Defense Minister, Harjit Sajjan was part of the Washington delegation and in an interview with Rosie Barton on CBC’s Power & Politics, on location in Washington, he said a lot of work got done. There were face to face discussions on several issues including the coalition against ISIL, Canada’s role in training Iraqi troops, and the anti-ISIS campaign in Libya.
During the state dinner last night, with several Canadian celebrities such as Lorne Michaels, Mike Meyers, and Ryan Reynolds in attendance, there was a lot of joy and celebration in the room. President Obama, in addressing the Canadian PM from the podium, said “You may well be one of the most popular Canadians named Justin!” The occasion was also a right-of-passage for the Obama family as it was the fist state dinner for the Obama’s daughters, Malia and Sasha.
While some in Canada have questioned the value of this first visit, citing the American president’s term drawing to a close, the introductions to other leaders from the northern border states, or the states where Canadian trade and tourism have an impact were important meetings that will facilitate future communication.
Customs pre-clearance agreement
One of the most practical developments is the new border agreement between the two countries that share the longest undefended border in the world. Allowing customs pre-clearance in Canada, at some airports, on some rail-routes, such as the Montreal – New York City run, as well as cruise ships, will make the border more efficient and facilitate faster and easier movement between the countries. Another element of this agreement is the entry and exit tracking. A development many people on both sides of the border had thought already existed.
Softwood lumber, a lucrative area of trade between the countries, and one that pre-dates Canadian confederation, is becoming an issue once again as the former agreement has expired. The issue was mentioned, and it is sure to be the source of more headlines to come.
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