Sudbury

12 May 2008

- Watch the Slideshow

Sudbury -- On Tuesday, May 12, 2008, I had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful Northern Ontario city of Sudbury. My trip included visits to Science North and Sudbury’s Bridge of Nations, and a talk during Sudbury’s Mining Week festivities.

I was truly impressed with Science North. This is an amazing educational and tourist destination that offers hands-on experiences for learners of all ages. Science North's world-renowned butterfly exhibit was particularly memorable, as was the fin whale skeleton. I was excited to learn that many of Science North’s mineral and wildlife learning programs for Ontario have counterparts in Science South -- a similar science education center in Florence, South Carolina. The center provides a great service to the community and to visitors, and I warmly commend the directors and all those involved with this worthwhile program.

Next on my agenda was a visit to Sudbury’s Bridge of Nations where I had the privilege of raising a new United States flag. This marvelous bridge contains 72 flags, representing the 72 nations of origin of the city’s residents. The flags stand as a testament to the wonderful diversity of Sudbury's population and a reminder of the strong immigrant traditions of both Canada and the United States.

I then spoke to a crowd of more than 200 business executives and community leaders attending Sudbury’s Mining Week Luncheon. We had the chance to discuss the important economic ties linking the Sudbury region's mining and forestry industry with the United States. The area is enjoying a real economic boom -- thanks to huge nickel and copper deposits. Sudbury Mayor John Rodriguez explained that both metals are commanding top dollar.

After lunch we stopped at the Big Nickel, where I posed for the camera just like all of the other visitor to Sudbury. We then took a fascinating tour of Dynamic Earth, where I really enjoyed the visit down to the mine. Their geology exhibits and explanation of the evolution of mining over the years are really top notch.

I concluded my day with a helicopter tour of Sudbury and the surrounding region. I would like to thank all the residents of Sudbury for their warm welcome. It was a pleasure to visit your wonderful city.