President Obama in Canada, February 19, 2009

The White House - Press Briefing

Tuesday February 17, 2009

Parliament Hill - Ottawa, Canada

Source: Whitehouse.gov

2:42 p.m.: The President and PM are about to begin a joint press conference in the Parliament Reading Room. Murals of Canadian enterprise and industry adorn the high walls. Each event today boasts an exponential increase in the number of flags.

2:52 p.m.: PM remarks on the new chapter on U.S.-Canadian relations. Priorities:

1. Close cooperation on addressing the economic crisis
2. New clean energy dialogue
3. Shared international priorities

2:54 p.m.: President's turn. Emphasizes the two nations' commitment to work for peace, prosperity, and human rights, as well as addressing climate change.

3:06 p.m.: Q&A now. POTUS, on climate change: "This is not just a U.S. issue or a Canadian issue, it's a worldwide issue that we're going to have to confront...we can save consumers money, we can save businesses money...as two relatively wealthy countries, it's important for us to show leadership in this area...right now there are no silver bullets to solve this problem, which is why sharing research, sharing ideas, is so important."

3:11 p.m.: On NAFTA and global trade, POTUS: "As one of the largest economies in the world, it's important for us to be showing leadership."

PM: "The trade challenges we face in North America are common trade challenges, they're not problems between our countries.

3:27 p.m.: PM: "Threats to the United States are threats to Canada.

3:31 p.m.: POTUS closes on a lighter note: "Want to thank the Canadians who came over the border to campaign for me."