NEWS RELEASE
Canada Day on Capitol Hill
(March 21, 2024): The cherry blossoms aren’t the only big news story in Washington DC this month. Canada Day on the Hill – a full day of activities on Capitol Hill – celebrated and reinforced the enduring partnership and strategic relationship between Canada and the United States. No matter the issue or challenge, our two countries know we are stronger together and our communities are more prosperous, more resilient, safer and more secure for it.
Throughout the day, Canada’s 12 Consuls General, who are responsible for Canada’s relationship with states across the United States, spread out across Capitol Hill and met with over 50 members of Congress, from both the House and the Senate, representing 28 states, to reinforce the importance of Canada’s relationship with each district and state and to discuss concrete ways in which we can do more together.
On the House side, a lunch-time celebration of our special partnership in the Rayburn Foyer featured a selection of Canada’s culinary standouts – Timbits, Hawaiian pizza (yes, it’s Canadian!) and poutine – and Canada-U.S. friendship bracelets. There were some notable Canadians in the mix, including hockey legends Brendan Shanahan and Hayley Wickenheiser, and partners – the provinces of Alberta and Ontario as well as members of the Canadian American Business Council (CABC). Of course, it wouldn’t have been a Canadian celebration without our world-famous Mounties in attendance – they even brought their official mascot, Safety Bear, to the Hill.
The same afternoon, on the Senate side of the US Capitol, Canada hosted a reception to engage with members of Congress and thank them for shining a bright light on our unique bilateral relationship with the creation of the bicameral and bipartisan American Canadian Economy and Security Caucus – also known as the ACES Caucus – which currently has 51 House members, seven Senators, and growing.
As further proof of the value of the strategic bond between our two countries, the leadership of ACES and its members introduced Resolutions in both chambers “reaffirming the deep and steadfast United States-Canada partnership and the ties that bind the two countries in support of economic and national security”. During a time of global turmoil, these bipartisan resolutions in the House and Senate illustrate a recognition of the importance of the Canada-US relationship.
And what better way to end a fantastic day than with a little cross-border sports rivalry and hockey diplomacy? Canada’s flagship Embassy – the only Embassy between Capitol Hill and the White House – hosted a lively watch party for two Professional Womens Hockey League (PWHL) games: Boston at Toronto, and Ottawa at New York, as well as the NHL faceoff between the Maple Leafs and Capitals. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Congressman Nick LaLota (NY-01) served as honorary team captains for Boston and New York, respectively. A mutual passion for hockey has always been one of the deepest connections in the relationship between Canada and the United States, and the newly formed PWHL is cause for celebration on both sides of the border.
QUOTES
Wow, what a memorable day for Canada’s friendship with its closest ally, the United States! In a world with so many divisions and distractions, Canada Day on the Hill is a reminder of how our partnership is truly priceless. We must never take for granted the prosperity, resilience, peace, and stability that characterizes the Canada-U.S. partnership. Thank you to all who joined us yesterday to deepen the Canada-U.S. relationship — our Consuls General, our provinces, members of Congress, and our partners – together, we are more prosperous, more resilient, and more secure.”
Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s Ambassador to the United States
“The United States’ partnership with Canada has always been a special one, and as founding co-chair of the American Canadian Economy and Security (ACES) Caucus, it is an honor to champion the enduring partnership between our two nations. In North Dakota, we share our entire Northern border with Canada and enjoy a close relationship with our neighbors. This reception was not only a celebration of the remarkable ties between our countries, but also a reminder of our shared economic prosperity and national security.”
Senator Kevin Cramer, North Dakota
“For more than a century, the United States and Canada have maintained a close partnership built on a foundation of shared democratic values. Our strong cross-border trade, integrated economies, and national security interests are important drivers for our countries. I look forward to continuing to work with fellow ACES Caucus Co-Chairs and our colleagues to strengthen economic and security ties between the United States and Canada.”
Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07)
“The success of the United States and Canada has always been closely tied — our northern neighbors are an integral and inseparable part of our daily lives and economy. I was proud to announce the formation of the American-Canadian Economy and Security (ACES) Caucus alongside my Senate Co-Chair Kevin Cramer last year, and I am excited to introduce this resolution to reaffirm our two nations’ commitment to one another. As close trade partners and allies, I look forward to strengthening this close alliance to tackle shared challenges and seize new opportunities.”
Senator Angus King, Maine
“The United States and Canada have built an invaluable and enduring partnership. As co-chair of the ACES Caucus, I know our countries are stronger together. Not only are we bonded by our shared international border – the world’s largest – we share interests in economic stability and national security. I am dedicated to working with my House and Senate colleagues to strengthen and reaffirm the U.S.-Canada alliance.”
Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02)
LINKS
Canada Day on Capitol Hill Photos (link)
ACES Caucus Co-Chairs and members: House and Senate
Resolutions: House and Senate
Canada-State Trade Fact Sheets (link)
Canada’s Consulates across the U.S. (link)
Embassy Media Contacts:
Michele Anderson
Michele.Anderson@international.gc.ca
Pam Lambo
Pam.lambo@international.gc.ca