Celebrating the Inauguration across Canada

21 January 09

Consul General Nay Thanks the Toronto Tamil Community

21 January -- The Embassy of the United States of America in Ottawa and U.S. Consulates around the country joined with Canadians in celebrating the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Obama.

In Ottawa, Charge d’Affaires Terry Breese welcomed friends and “U.S. watchers” at a reception to view the inaugural ceremony. Charge Breese said, “We appreciate the warm welcome our new president is receiving from Canadians. Transitioning to a new Administration, I know one thing: Canada will remain one of the United States' most important and trusted partners and friends.” Mission personnel also enjoyed the opportunity to join in an inauguration celebration for young people hosted by the Governor General of Canada.

In Atlantic Canada, Halifax Consulate officials visited Nelson Whynder Elementary School to discuss the inauguration and the achievements of Martin Luther King Jr. and donate books on U.S. themes for the students, while on the west coast of Canada, seventh graders came to the Vancouver Consulate to watch the inauguration and learn about American-style democracy. The students joined the crowds on the other side of the continent, by waving American flags and clapping enthusiastically as the President-elect took the oath of office.

In Montreal and Quebec City, Consuls General hosted local leaders at luncheons and discussed the inauguration with the Quebecois via media interviews. New Quebec International Affairs Minister Pierre Arcand was interviewed at the event in Montreal and quoted in a media report saying President Obama’s inaugural address was “brilliant” and “inspiring.” A Consul General representative also spoke at an inauguration celebration hosted in Montreal by “Yes, We Can, Canada,” a fledgling organization inspired by President Obama that aims to find and emphasize common ground between Canada and the United States.

The Consul in Winnipeg participated in a dinner celebration with members of the Consular Corps -- about 20 honorary Consuls and the the Consul General of Iceland. In addition to watching coverage of the Inaugural Balls, the U.S. Consul gave a brief talk about inaugural traditions. And in Calgary, Consulate officials discussed the inauguration via the media.

And Consulate officials in Toronto fanned out to celebrate at events at the historic Bloor Street Cinema, the University Club and “The New Birth of Freedom” Inaugural Gala, in London, Ontario. The Gala was a tribute to President Barack Obama sponsored by FG International to benefit the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Organizations of London, Ontario and Chicago, Illinois.

The U.S. Mission in Canada appreciates the warm wishes from our friends across the great nation of Canada.