Close X
Monday, November 25, 2024
ADVT 
Health

A Moment Of Firsts, As Justin Trudeau Arrives In The U.S. Today

The Canadian Press, 09 Mar, 2016 11:14 AM
    WASHINGTON — This will be a moment of firsts — for Justin Trudeau, and for Canada-U.S. relations.
     
    Trudeau today begins his first prime ministerial visit to the U.S. — which will also feature the first White House state dinner for a Canadian in 19 years.
     
    The prime minister lands at Andrews Air Force Base this afternoon, followed by a reception. Tomorrow he meets with President Barack Obama and attends the state dinner.
     
    He'll conclude the three-day trip Friday when he lays a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery; speaks to a university and to a think-tank; then heads home.
     
    Another atypical aspect of the visit is reflected in the unofficial paper of record of modern American politics — Politico, which has a headline: "Justin Fever Hits Washington."
     
     
    Prime ministerial visits rarely raise a ripple in the American capital but the arrival of this refugee-hugging, self-declared feminist subject of fawning profiles and a Vogue magazine spread is an exception to the rule.
     
    An example is featured in that Politico item. It includes perhaps one of the most unusual quotes in the history of Canada-U.S. relations, from an anonymous senior Obama administration who declared the Canadian her "new political crush": “Seriously, with his looks, heart, and mind, he’s dreamy," Politico quoted the administration official saying.
     
    As for the actual substance of the meeting between the leaders of two countries sharing the world's biggest trading relationship and about 8,700 kilometres of land border, several announcements are expected.
     
     
    Officials have hinted at a wide-ranging climate-change agreement, some of whose components were already in the works under the previous Harper government.
     
    Sources also say that Trudeau will throw his support behind a plan that could revolutionize the border, making it possible to potentially clear customs at bus stations, train stations, ports and off highways the same way several airports already allow such preclearance. The goal would be to ease choke points at the actual border and speed up travel.
     
    The previous government and the Obama administration had reached an agreement-in-principle on the idea last year but it has lingered amid uncertainty over whether the governments would introduce bills required to implement it.
     
    A U.S. bill was introduced a few days ago, and endorsed by members of both parties. Sources say Trudeau will signal his intention to follow suit in Canada's Parliament.
     
    The Canadian opposition downplays the significance of this trip.
     
     
    The Conservatives note that some of these announcements flow from Harper-era initiatives. They also question the level of substance of any deal with a last-year president who doesn't control Congress.
     
    But the White House has emphasized its significance.
     
    "I think there is a developing special relationship between this president and the prime minister," Mark Feierstein told reporters during a briefing session.
     
    "Both young leaders with similar visions. Both have a progressive vision of governing. Both are very much committed to the appropriate use of multilateral tools. Both are committed to diversity.
     
    "And I think there is a coincidence very much in terms of the agendas that both administrations have. I think we’re seeing that reflected, for example, on the issues of climate change and refugees and other issues."
     
    An American lawmaker said people around the world had noticed Trudeau welcoming refugees. She said she hoped her country might follow suit.
     
     
     
    Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, also noted the novelty of this moment — Americans paying attention to a Canadian politician.
     
    "For a long time Canadians were a bit obsessed with President Obama," she told a forum hosted by Politico late Tuesday.
     
    "This is just deserts."

    MORE Health ARTICLES

    Flu Season Is On The Retreat, But Record-level Hospitalizations Of Elderly Continue

    Flu Season Is On The Retreat, But Record-level Hospitalizations Of Elderly Continue
    The flu reached its highest levels around the beginning of January, and stayed there for weeks. The government report out Friday shows flu has become less widespread and less intense in the last couple of weeks in most parts of the country.

    Flu Season Is On The Retreat, But Record-level Hospitalizations Of Elderly Continue

    World's oceans awash in plastic drifting into sea from landfills: report

    World's oceans awash in plastic drifting into sea from landfills: report
    A new study says millions of tons of plastic garbage are flowing into the world's oceans, with much of it coming from mismanaged landfills and litter.

    World's oceans awash in plastic drifting into sea from landfills: report

    Smoking Shrinks Your Brain: Canadian Study

    Smoking Shrinks Your Brain: Canadian Study
    Long-term smoking could cause thinning of a vital brain part in which critical cognitive functions such as memory, language and perception take place, a new study has warned.

    Smoking Shrinks Your Brain: Canadian Study

    Want To Shed Weight Without Doing Any Exercise? Just Eat A Handful Of Berries Every Day

    Want To Shed Weight Without Doing Any Exercise? Just Eat A Handful Of Berries Every Day
    No need to skip a meal or head to a gym as easy ways to lose a few pounds -- not anymore. Replacing just one between-meal confectionery snack with a handful of berries can do the trick as well.

    Want To Shed Weight Without Doing Any Exercise? Just Eat A Handful Of Berries Every Day

    Chili Pepper Ingredient Could Prevent Weight Gain

    Chili Pepper Ingredient Could Prevent Weight Gain
    There is good news for those who find it hard to resist fatty foods. An ingredient found in chili peppers could help you prevent weight gain after eating a high-fat diet, a study involving an Indian-origin researcher has found.

    Chili Pepper Ingredient Could Prevent Weight Gain

    Caribbean Blues: More Travellers Returning With Painful New Mosquito Virus, Stumping Doctors

    Caribbean Blues: More Travellers Returning With Painful New Mosquito Virus, Stumping Doctors
    Thousands of travellers to the Caribbean and nearby regions are coming home with an unwanted souvenir: a mosquito-borne virus that recently settled there.

    Caribbean Blues: More Travellers Returning With Painful New Mosquito Virus, Stumping Doctors