Marc Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, made the following statement after United States President Barack Obama addressed Parliament: “It was an incredible honour to be present for President Obama’s historic address to Canada’s Parliament and to the Canadian people,” said Serré. “Addresses to Parliament from foreign heads of state are a rare occurrence, so it was a particular honour to witness the President of the United States’ historic address as he completes his final term in office.”
“President Obama stated that the Canadian-US relationship is unique not just due to proximity to one another, but more importantly because of the set of values that we share—that no matter who we are, where we come from, no matter our culture or religion, here in North America we can make of our lives what we will without fear of being persecuted,” recalled Serré.
“This message is particularly timely and meaningful as Canadians and Americans alike celebrated the births of our respective nations over the long weekend. But the President also raised the concern that both our countries share about the rise of income inequality and wage stagnation, and the impacts these both have on society. President Obama demonstrated great leadership in stating that our strong and vibrant democracies can and must do more to ensure that the benefits of globalization create opportunity for everyone, and not just the privileged few. I am proud to be part of a government whose priority is to offer real help to Canada’s middle class and those working hard to join it.”
Other topics that President Obama discussed during his address to Parliament included the historical evolution of the Canada—US relationship, ongoing joint-security commitments, both countries’ commitment to free trade, income inequality, globalization, the environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and more.
To view President Barack Obama’s Address to Parliament in full, please visit: www.cpac.ca/en/programs/cpac-special/episodes/48167536/