Connect 2 Canada Updates

Canada Deplores Deadly Attack on U.S. Consulate in Libya

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 10:48:08 PDT

On September 12, 2012, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird issued the following statement:

"Canada strongly condemns and deeply regrets yesterday's senseless attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Ambassador Christopher Stevens and the three other U.S. officials who lost their lives in serving their country.

"We call upon Libyan authorities to take all necessary measures to protect diplomatic premises in accordance with Libya's international obligations. We also urge Libyan officials to ensure the extremists responsible are...

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the 11th anniversary of 9/11 and National Day of Service

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 09:29:38 PDT

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the 11th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States and the second annual National Day of Service:

"September 11, 2001, was a day that shocked the world. More than a decade later, the horrific images from that terrible morning continue to evoke anger and heartache.

"As we remember the nearly 3,000 innocent people – including 24 Canadians – who were killed, and mourn with the countless others who lost loved ones, we also honour the incredible acts of courage and sacrifice of those who responded to the...

Cross often? Make it simple, use NEXUS

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 10:37:26 PDT

Canada and the U.S. recently increased the benefits of NEXUS membership, an alternative to the passport. For low-risk, pre-approved travelers, a virtually hassle free border is welcome news.

NEXUS is a Canada-U.S. customs and immigration program for frequent travelers and offers self-serve kiosks at participating airports, dedicated lanes at highway border crossings, and the ability for boats to clear the border by phone. Membership is available for $50 and provides five years of access at all participating air, land and marine ports of...

Connect with Canada's Athletes

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:07:05 PDT

CBC Sports has compiled a full list of Canadian athletes competing in the 2012 Olympic Games in London, divided by sport and listed alphabetically. You can send your well wishes to your favourite Olympians by clicking on the Twitter handles next to their names. You can also get retweets from our athletes in London by following CBC's Canadian Trail account.

PM announces signing of an agreement for the construction of the new Detroit River International Crossing

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:20:02 PDT

On June 15, 2012, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the conclusion of an agreement between Canada and the State of Michigan toward building a new publicly owned bridge crossing between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan. The agreement establishes the framework for each party's roles and responsibilities for the construction, financing, operation and maintenance of the new international crossing.

'Our Government is taking the measures necessary to facilitate trade and investment between Canada and the United States in order to generate jobs, economic growth and long term prosperity,' said the Prime Minister. 'This new bridge...

Celebrate "Canada Day Across America"

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 13:05:40 PDT

Celebrate Canada's birthday with the Seventh Annual “Canada Day Across America”! We're featuring an interactive map of Canada Day gatherings throughout the U.S. on our special CDAA site. If you're hosting an event and would like to welcome fellow friends of Canada to join in the festivities, you can ...

How can Canada-US Cross-Border Business Travel be Improved? Submit Your Views.

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 10:20:17 PDT

On May 14, 2012 Canada and the United States announced joint consultations with stakeholders on cross-border business; in particular increasing efforts to facilitate business travel between the United States and Canada. These consultations are part of the Beyond the Border Action Plan announced by President Obama and Prime Minister Harper in December 2011 that will speed up legitimate trade and travel and improve security in North America. If you are a Canadian or American business, organization or individual, we encourage you to submit your views on how cross-border business travel could improve....

Study: Volunteering in Canada

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:01:40 PDT

In 2010, more than 13.3 million people—accounting for 47% of Canadians aged 15 and over—did volunteer work. Overall, volunteers devoted almost 2.1 billion hours to their volunteer activities: a volume of work that is equivalent to just under 1.1 million full-time jobs. More.

Canada, US and Mexico focus on jobs, growth and long-term prosperity

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:07:14 PDT

On April 3, 2012, Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, met with his NAFTA counterparts Ambassador Ron Kirk, U.S. Trade Representative, and Bruno Ferrari, Mexico's Secretary of Economy, in Washington, D.C., to affirm Canada's commitment to enhancing North America's competitiveness by helping the critical small and medium-sized business sector continue to expand and succeed. This meeting of the NAFTA Free Trade Commission follows the North American Leaders Summit, where the leaders of Canada, the United States and Mexico agreed that jobs and growth remain top priorities. News release.

PM Harper at the Woodrow Wilson Center

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:14:00 PDT

The Woodrow Wilson Center hosted Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Monday, April 2nd from 4:00 – 5:00pm for a discussion with the President and CEO of the Center, Jane Harman. The webcast is available on the Wilson Center website.

C2C Podcast: Mark Fabro

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:13:00 PST

Mark Fabro, President and Chief Security Scientist at Lofty Perch, Inc., a market leading security technology company, joined us to discuss cybersecurity, cyber threats and the role of government in this field. Listen

Canada and U.S. agree on Joint Action Plans to boost security, trade and travel

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:19:19 PST

Washington, DC, December 7, 2011 — Prime Minister Stephen Harper and U.S. President Barack Obama announced today that Canada and the United States have agreed to implement two action plans designed to speed up legitimate trade and travel, improve security in North America, and align regulatory approaches between the two countries. News Release. Beyond the Border.

Get the Facts: Canada-U.S. Trade

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:23:00 PST

Canada is the top export destination for 36 states, and more than 8 million U.S. jobs depend on Canada–U.S. trade. Interested in learning more? The State Trade Fact Sheets provide an overview of the trading relationship between Canada and each state. This annual product covers merchandise trade, jobs dependent on trade, other trade-related factoids, the tourism account and bilateral success stories.

C2C Podcast: Antoni Cimolino

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:16:31 PST

Antoni Cimolino, General Director of the Stratford Festival, talks theatre, the upcoming 60th season of the Festival and why Stratford is working in Suchitoto, El Salvador. Listen

PM Harper: His thoughts and feelings on our nation's passion

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:58:24 PDT

"I have to admit that my memory of when I first got interested in hockey is misty. I was born in 1959, and when I was very small my parents followed the Toronto Maple Leafs very closely. I know that more from later stories than from much actual memory of the time. Living in New Brunswick, my mother - and in particular my father - grew up rooting for the Maple Leafs. That was their team..." Full Story

Statement by the PM on the death of Muammar Gaddafi

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:02:47 PDT

"The Libyan National Transitional Council has confirmed the death of Muammar Gaddafi. Gaddafi's days are over. Never again will he be in a position to support terrorism or to turn guns on his own citizens. The Libyan people can finally turn the page on 42 years of vicious oppression, and continue their journey toward a better future." — Prime Minister Stephen Harper Full Statement.

The War of 1812: Premieres October 10 at 9 pm ET on PBS

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:10:00 PDT

The War of 1812 is a new two-hour program for public broadcasting that explores the nearly 200-year old conflict. For two and a half years, Americans fought against the British, Canadian colonists, and native nations. In the years to come, the War of 1812 would be celebrated in some places and essentially forgotten in others. But it is a war worth remembering – a struggle that threatened the existence of Canada, then divided the United States so deeply that the nation almost broke apart. Some of its battles and heroes became legendary, yet its blunders and cowards were just as prominent. With stunning reenactments, evocative animation and the...

Embassy Hosts Delegation from Gander for 9/11 Tenth Anniversary Summit

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 09:55:36 PDT

The Embassy of Canada welcomed a delegation from Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador to Washington, D.C. on September 7. The delegation was in town to receive an award as part of the 9/11 Tenth Anniversary Summit: Remembrance, Renewal, Resilience at the Newseum on September 8. Ambassador Doer met with the delegation and thanked them for their hospitality and unwavering support for 6,700 passengers and crew members who were stranded there in the aftermath of September 11. Gander International Airport offered a safe haven to 38 commercial airliners and four military aircraft stranded...

C2C Podcast: Dr. Mickie Bhatia

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:45:23 PDT

Dr. Mickie Bhatia, Professor at McMaster University's School of Medicine and the scientist who made the breakthrough discovery that human skin can be turned into blood, discusses his research, his latest projects, and how Canada has helped him along the way. Listen.

The new C2C Blog is live!

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:27:56 PDT

Stay connected with the latest developments and research on Canada and Canada-US relations. The blog features stories from a variety of resources on both sides of the border.

Celebrate Canada Day Across America

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:24:40 PDT

Celebrate Canada's birthday with the Sixth Annual “Canada Day Across America”! We're featuring an interactive map of Canada Day gatherings throughout the U.S. on our special CDAA site. If you're hosting an event and would like to welcome fellow friends of Canada to join in the festivities, you can ...

Check out the latest issue of InSciTe

Thu, 12 May 2011 13:46:54 PDT

InSciTe covers the latest in Canadian innovation, science and technology. Our latest issue details a plastic smartphone as thin and flexible as a laminated sheet of paper, a new blood test that will diagnose Alzheimer's disease, Canada's "Top 40 Under 40" Awards and much more. Read. Subscribe.

Elections: Voting While Abroad

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:30:19 PDT

Canadians will vote in the 41st general election on Monday, May 2, 2011. Elections Canada is reaching out to Canadian electors, including those living abroad, of their right to vote and the process. Outside Canada? You can vote by mail! FAQ.

C2C Podcast: Nelofer Pazira

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:14:16 PDT

Nelofer Pazira, acclaimed Afghan-Canadian filmmaker, author and journalist, discusses Afghan culture, gender and her latest film, Act of Dishonour. Listen.

Canada's Response to the Earthquake in Japan

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 15:39:49 PST

Officials at Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa and at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo are closely monitoring the situation, are actively working to determine the impact on any Canadians that may be affected, and stand ready to provide consular assistance to Canadian citizens in need. Travel Report and Warnings, Assistance for Canadians in Japan, How Canadians Can Help. Statement by the Prime Minister.