Seattle, Washington, Friday, May 2, 2014

Thank you for welcoming me so warmly. What a pleasure it is to meet with so many friends of Canada here in Seattle.

This truly is a great city.

Seattle is one of this country’s most dynamic and innovative cities, and its ties to Canada are many. This is also true of the region as a whole: the relationship between the U.S. Pacific Northwest and Western Canada is a model for our two countries.  

It is so important for Canadians to have an energetic presence here—and indeed, we have much to gain by expanding on our already diverse partnerships.

Seattle is a gateway to opportunity for multitudes of Canadians.

I would like to thank the Consulate General of Canada here in Seattle for being an invaluable point of contact for so many, and for hosting this reception.

The employees of this consulate work hard to connect Canadians to the numerous opportunities found within this city and elsewhere in the state.

And you bring Americans and people of other nationalities into contact with Canadians, helping to build the networks and people-to-people ties that are so essential to success.

Such exciting opportunities exist to have an impact on our communities and on the wider world. Earlier today, for example, I met with officials from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which is doing such important work helping others.

I also toured Microsoft’s Envisioning Center, which was a wonderful way to view innovation as it happens.

In fact, throughout my visit to the United States this past week, I have seen instances of great compassion and creativity, as well as ways our two countries are working together.

And what better way to end my visit to the United States than by spending it with the many friends Canada and Washington share.

Together, you are part of Canada’s important friendship not just with this state, but also with the United States as a whole. Our bilateral relationship is a model for the world.

In so many areas, Canada and Washington are working closely together.  Our two-way trade reached $23.5 billion in 2013. We are collaborating in many areas, including learning, innovation, manufacturing, energy—I could go on.

In every sphere, Canadians are making strong contributions.

We have long been partners on this continent, and the opportunities for collaboration and co-operation are many.

There is also no doubt that, given the complex, interrelated challenges we face, we must find ways to innovate and adapt together.

In this, the people of this state and of Canada can help each other. We will no doubt be stronger working together than alone.

Together, we can build smarter, more caring and prosperous societies. As we do so, let us strive to balance equality of opportunity with excellence.

On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to thank you for being here and for being part of the friendship between Canada and Washington.

Have a wonderful evening.