Infrastructure connects our communities, takes people and goods where they need to go, and allows us to communicate with each other productively and effectively.
Thank you, Elizabeth [Cannon, Board Chair of Universities Canada and President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calgary] for that kind introduction.
Thank you very much for that very warm introduction; and thank you very much everyone for being here. I'm really pleased that everyone is here to engage in this conversation about trade.
We meet once again in uncertain times, when global and regional security are threatened. I will focus on four major issues for Canada: the fundamental principle of territorial integrity, conventional arms control, human rights and respect for diversity.
What an incredible honour to be here tonight as we celebrate His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.
On behalf of Prime Minister [Justin] Trudeau, the Government of Canada and all Canadians, I pass along our best wishes for a very happy birthday: O'tanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu [We wish you a happy birthday]
Peru could not have chosen a better priority topic for all of us than food security, which is without any doubt one of the critical challenges of the 21st century.
I highly appreciate this occasion to speak to such an esteemed group, the brain trust and critical advisers on the resolution of one of the world's most pressing, seemingly intractable and horrifying crises. For the sake of the Syrian people, the Middle East and global security, it is an important moment in time to reflect not only on how to mitigate the current turmoil but also on options for a peaceful resolution in Syria.