[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 141 (Tuesday, November 18, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1623]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE BICENTENNIAL OF THE BIRTH OF CANADA'S FIRST PRIME 
                     MINISTER SIR JOHN A. MACDONALD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. WILLIAM L. OWENS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 18, 2014

  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in anticipation of an auspicious 
day in Canadian history, the bicentennial anniversary of the birth of 
Canada's Founding Father, Sir John A. Macdonald of Ontario, on January 
11, 2015.
  Sir Macdonald was the first Prime Minister of Canada and a 
significant figure in the development of the British North America Act 
that gave rise to the birth of Canada as a nation on July 1, 1867. As 
one of the founders of the great nation of Canada, Sir John A. 
Macdonald's importance to the American people should not be overlooked.
  The Canadian people have much in common with us. They are 
independent, resilient in the face of adversity, and proud of their 
history. We share many of the same values and have chosen repeatedly to 
face the problems of the world together. Whether in matters of 
security, law enforcement, environmental protection or commerce, Canada 
has long been a partner and friend to the United States.
  Our relationship with Canada is based not only on a long history of 
shared cultural values and experience, it also encompasses one of the 
closest economic partnerships in the world amounting to $1.2 trillion 
in trade, tourism, investment and other activities. U.S.-Canada trade 
alone supports an estimated 8 million jobs here in the U.S. and 
millions more across the border. Canada is also the largest source of 
foreign direct investment in the United States. Our neighbors to the 
north maintain a substantial investment in the success and growth of 
the U.S. economy and American businesses of all sizes.
  The City of Kingston is hosting a national commemoration service on 
Sunday, January 11, 2015 marking the bicentennial anniversary of the 
birth of Sir John A. Macdonald.

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