What U.S. ambassador Bruce Heyman had to say to Canadians – Macleans.ca
Full text of the new U.S. Ambassador’s first major speech in Canada
Bruce Heyman
June 2, 2014
The prepared speech by Bruce Heyman, United States ambassador to Canada on June 2, 2014.
Friends, colleagues – good evening.
I just came back from a 21-day trek across your beautiful country. It’s been an amazing education for me and my wife, Vicki, and I’ve seen so many things and met so many incredible people that I’ll never forget.
What a beautiful venue. I want to thank Canada 2020, Don Newman and the National Gallery for hosting us tonight. Vicki and I are so grateful to be here.
President Obama said it best: “No two nations match up more closely, or are woven together more deeply, economically, culturally, than the United States and Canada.” I understand this now having travelled coast to coast. This unparalleled relationship provides us with unprecedented opportunity.
I am the kind of person who does not view the workings of the world as a zero-sum game, nor do I accept the idea that every decision is a matter of either/or. In discussing our choices among various interests, I much prefer using the word “AND” rather than “OR.” Economic growth AND environmental protection. Free trade AND jobs. Co-operation AND leadership.
