[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 112 (Thursday, June 29, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E928]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING CANADA'S SESQUICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF CONFEDERATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2017

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of United 
States' closest allies and neighbor, the nation of Canada, on its 
sesquicentennial anniversary of confederation.
  Minnesota shares a special bond with our neighbor to the north 
through many deep cultural, economic, and enviromnental ties. As 
Minnesota's largest trading partner, Canada helps generate $20 billion 
of economic activity, a clear indicator of its importance to our state. 
However, perhaps even more meaningful are connections we share to our 
precious cultural and natural heritage. The Great Lakes and the 
pristine natural beauty of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness 
not only form Minnesota's northern border with Canada, but they also 
help define our collective identities, drawing visitors from both near 
and abroad who come to explore and marvel over the world's largest 
reserve of fresh water, and accessible and beautiful wilderness. It is 
because of the natural wonders that we both share, that Minnesota and 
Canada also share a commitment to action in addressing climate change 
and protecting our natural resources for future generations.
  Minnesotans and Canadians are also deeply connected on a cultural 
leveL Long before Europeans arrived, Indigenous Americans and First 
Nations created thriving communities and lived off of the abundance of 
the vast forests, plains, lakes and rivers. Europeans who later settled 
these lands chose names derived from indigenous languages. Minnesota 
came from two Dakota words; Mni meaning ``water'' and Sota meaning 
``sky-tinted,'' while Canada is derived from the Iroquois-Huron word 
Kanata meaning ``village'' or ``settlement.'' Later on, threads of 
early French influence were interwoven into each of our historical 
tapestries. This can easily be seen in the names of streets in the Twin 
Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, and in our state motto ``L'Etoile 
du Nord'', ``The Star of the North''. Minnesota and Canada share so 
much culturally, that Canadians will often jokingly refer to Minnesota 
as the 11th province.
  Minnesotans and Canadians continue to share a strong affinity to the 
land and outdoors pursuits, including, hiking, boating, hunting and 
fishing. Perhaps nothing defines our bond more clearly today than a 
love of hockey. Minnesota is proudly known as ``the State of Hockey' 
and Canadians of all stripes similarly display unparalleled energy and 
passion for the sport.
  As we join the nation of Canada in celebrating 150 years since its 
confederation, let us remember the unwavering friendship and security 
alliance between not only our two countries, but also between the 
people of Canada and Minnesota. Rarely is it that two peoples, 
separated by national borders, hold the other in such high esteem as 
the people of Minnesota and Canada do for one another. As Canada 
embarks on another 150 years, let us continue to foster a relationship 
that is truly unique amongst the nations of the world. On behalf of the 
residents of Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District, it is my honor 
to wish Canada a happy 150th birthday.

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