Secretary John Kelly made his first trip to Canada as Secretary of Homeland Security last week and met with his counterparts across the Canadian cabinet.
His first stop in Ottawa was at the U.S. Embassy and a meeting with Chargé d’Affaires Elizabeth Aubin and Embassy staff.
The DHS workforce carries out our mission at home and abroad, and while at the U.S. Embassy, Secretary Kelly had the opportunity to meet with DHS employees supporting the DHS mission in Ottawa. Secretary Kelly, a retired Marine Corps General, was also honored to meet U.S. Marines who guard the U.S. Embassy
Secretary Kelly met with Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Ralph Goodale to discuss priority matters pertaining to our shared Northern border, such as the 400,000 people and $2.4 billion in trade that cross every day.
Secretary Kelly also held discussions with Minister of Transport Marc Garneau, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Ahmed D. Hussen, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland on additional important areas of Canada-U.S. mutual interest including aviation security, law enforcement collaboration, infrastructure, and immigration, refugee and visa policy.
While in Ottawa, Secretary Kelly presented flowers at the Canadian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
A strong relationship between the United States and Canada is essential to the facilitation of lawful trade and travel, while ensuring our mutual security. Secretary Kelly’s first trip to Canada allowed for conversations on our shared interests, common challenges, and next steps for joint initiatives.