January 19, 2009
No. 14
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, and the Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas), will be in Washington, D.C., on January 20 to participate in the Embassy of Canada’s program of events to mark the presidential inauguration.
Canada’s Ambassador to the United States, Michael Wilson, will represent the Government of Canada at the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Barack Obama on Capitol Hill. As has been the case in past U.S. presidential inaugurations, only ambassadors and their spouses may attend the swearing-in ceremony on behalf of their governments.
“Canada is proud to participate in this historic day for our closest friend, important ally and largest trading partner,” said Minister Cannon. “We look forward to working with the new president and his incoming administration to strengthen the Canada-U.S. relationship and to cooperate on the global issues and challenges affecting our citizens.”
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Alykhan Velshi
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
Alykhan.Velshi@cic.gc.ca
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
