Archive for the ‘July 2011’ Category

July 27, 2011: Ottawa

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

Yesterday was kind of special. I played golf with Senator — and hockey legend — Frank Mahovlich. When I was young I used to watch him destroy the Blackhawks first with Toronto, then Detroit, then Montreal. My father used to shake his head every time the Big M came on to the ice. He knew bad things were going to happen to the Blackhawks.

Senator and former hockey player Frank Mahovlich and Ambassador Jacobson

Senator Mahovlich still has a pretty good lefty slap shot out on the golf course. We then had dinner at our home with the Senator his wonderful wife Marie and other friends. It’s amazing when you get to meet a boyhood idol. Particularly when they turn out to be such a wonderful person.

DJ

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July 15, 2011: Great Lakes Naval Training Station

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

Today I had the honor of serving as the Reviewing Officer at the graduation of 500 sailors from the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Waukegan, Illinois. Every recruit into the United States Navy takes his or her eight weeks of basic training at Great Lakes. 

Graduates of the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Waukegan, Illinois

I was asked while I was there why I would attend the graduation. I had three reasons:

  • My home in Chicago is about 15 minutes from Great Lakes. So, it was a chance to visit with friends and family.
  • When I was a boy scout as a youth, we took a trip to watch the graduation ceremony. I remember well the sailors in their dress whites.
  • Most importantly, in 1943, in the midst of WW II, my father graduated from High School in Chicago. He enlisted in the Navy and went to Great Lakes for his basic training. He was assigned to the Bonne Homme Richard Aircraft Carrier during the war in the Pacific where he served with honor. He was always very proud of his service to his country. His uniform still hangs in my closet at home. I wish he could have been there to watch this graduation: I arrived to ruffles and flourishes and a 19 gun salute, no kidding.

Ambassador Jacobson serves as the Reviewing Officer at the graduation of 500 sailors from the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Waukegan, Illinois

I gave my remarks, which included the statement of President Kennedy’s, a Navy man, that: “I can imagine no more rewarding a career. And any man in this country who may be asked what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: ‘I served in the United States Navy.’”

Before the graduation the Commanding Officer at Great Lakes, Captain Steven Bethke, took me and Julie and my sister Jamie and her husband David on a tour of the base. The two highlights were breakfast with a group of the recruits and “Battle Stations,” which is an amazingly life-like facility for the final training and testing of the recruits. After they pass the test they are no longer known as recruits. They trade in their “Recruit” baseball caps for new ones that say “Navy,”  and they have earned the title “Sailor.” There were more than a few moist eyes in the house, including mine.

Ambassador Jacobson and Julie are joined by Great Lakes Commanding Officer, Capt. Steven Bethke, the Ambassador's sister Jamie Wainwright, and her husband, David Wainwright

The 500 new sailors and about 2000 family members from around the country have much to be proud of. The newest members of the Navy are off to preserve the values that make the United States great. Values that make us a beacon of hope for people around the world. They are joining the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen.

I left them the way I leave you. With the words: “Bravo Zulu.” The naval signal meaning “Well Done.”

DJ

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July 12, 2011: Halifax

Friday, July 15th, 2011

I just finished attending the 35th Annual New England Governors and Eastern Premiers Conference in Halifax. It was a great opportunity to discuss the regional issues that confront the leaders of our states and provinces. In addition to the Premiers and Governors, Ambassador Doer and I were invited to participate along with the U.S. Consul General from Halifax and the Canadian Consul General from Boston.

I arrived on Saturday night from Calgary. Having a free night in Halifax I did what any self-respecting Chicagoan would do. I went out for a lobster supper at Salty’s. Highly recommended.

On Sunday, before the meeting started, I played a round of golf with Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter, Ambassador Doer, and new Member of Parliament — but long-time political figure in Nova Scotia — Robert Chisholm. The weather was beautiful. The course magnificent. And you will all be happy to know that – judging by our golf games on Sunday – none of us can be accused of not spending enough time in the office.

After golf I had a chance to meet with New Brunswick Premier David Alward. We shared a few laughs, and talked about issues ranging from border security to the best fishing locations in New Brunswick.

Ambassador Jacobson and New Brunswick Premier David Alward

Then it was off to dinner with the Premiers, and Governors, several of their spouses, Ambassador Doer and the Consuls General at the Halifax Club, which dates back to 1862.

There is at least one part of these meetings that reminds me of an out-of-town weekend wedding. While the topics of conversation are quite a bit different, in the same way as at weddings, the group tends to coalesce as the days go by. People who were casual acquaintances – or totally unfamiliar – become friends. It is easy to forget that high level government officials are people. (Or at least, generally.) When you are able to establish a personal bond it is so much easier to conduct business and to solve problems later on. To me, this is one of the most important parts of these events.

On Monday we started early and ended late. There were a series of presentations including Managing the new Fiscal Reality, Enhancing the Trade Relationship, Maximizing the Potential of Each Region’s Energy Resources, Confronting our Environmental Challenges and an Update on the Lower Churchill Development.

After some press interviews, we bussed out to the Dauphinee Inn which is a beautiful place on the South Shore of Nova Scotia about 30 mins from Halifax. I told Premier Dexter I was tempted to move there.

The South Shore of Nova Scotia

We then went to the Shore Club for yet another lobster dinner and some good Nova Scotia music.

On Tuesday I gave a speech on the Beyond the Border Vision to a big lunch crowd from the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. Then, after a week on the road, I flew home and fell promptly to sleep.

One last point: I often talk about the value of competition (I used to do antitrust litigation). So I want to give a shout-out to one of my new competitors in the Ottawa diplomatic blog world. The High Commissioner from the United Kingdom, Andrew Pocock, has launched his new blog with his description of our Arctic Trip. Andrew is much wittier that I am. So I will have to up my game to keep pace. Check him out at http://blogs.fco.gov.uk/roller/pocock/.

DJ

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July 8 2011: Calgary Stampede

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

This is my second Stampede and I’m starting to get the hang of things. I can definitely say that Calgary is NOT a one horse town. 

We got up early for the kick-off breakfast. The Grand Marshall of the Stampede is Rick Hansen. He gave one of his moving and emotional speeches. I’ve said it before, but he is a real Canadian treasure. 

At the Calgary Stampede


Then it was on to the parade. There were hundreds of thousands of people lining the parade route. It started with the Royal Couple. Rick Hansen rolled the whole route in this chair. Then there were horses, wagons, floats, bands, and every manner of entertainment. The Stampede is known as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth and I’m not about to disagree. 

We then went to the Calgary Zoo to see the Royal Couple off from Canada. Having been lucky enough to be at four events during their nine-day Canada tour I am reminded of a great line from Premier Dalton McGuinty last year as he accompanied the Queen to several events on her tour. At one event he got up to speak and he said that he had been traveling around with the Queen and it was amazing how many people had been showing up to see him. Same deal. Everywhere I went with the Duke and Duchess there were huge crowds. No doubt for me!  (For those of you who don’t get my jokes — both Premier McGuinty and I are kidding!!!) 

The Duchess of Cambridge visiting Calgary


Next I went to watch some rodeo. The people in the store were right. No one made fun of my skeleton shirt — at least not to my face. We spent the afternoon watching the festivities with Jim and Karen Prentice, Steve Snyder of TransAlta, and a bunch of friends including Ambassador Gary Doer.  

I finished the day with a late night dinner with Ambassador Doer, his wife Ginny, one of my predecessors Ambassador Gordon Giffin, and his wife Patty. We compared “ambassador notes” and settled a few bets. Great fun. But we had to get to bed. Tomorrow, Ambassador Doer and I fly to Halifax for the Eastern Premieres and the New England Governors’ Conference.  

DJ

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July 6, 2011: Calgary

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

I had so much fun at our 4th of July party that I decided to do it twice more.

On the 5th we had one of my favorite events of the year. Our embassy staff in Ottawa and their families came over for a picnic. We ate more BBQ! I know Julie and I get much of the credit for our 4th of July party, but the real credit goes to all of the people in the Embassy and our Residence who work for months to put it together and then volunteer all weekend to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Since they are all working on the 4th, we have a party for them and their families on the 5th. The kids decorate their bikes with red, white and blue streamers and we have a bike parade. There are potato sack races. But the highlight is the softball game between the Marines and the Embassy team. I sit in the embassy team’s owner’s box with Julie. I’m happy to report that the trophy will sit with pride for another year in my office.

Early the next morning it was off to Calgary for the next 4th of July.

Before the party I had the chance to meet the new Mayor of Calgary, Naheed Nenshi. He’s a very dynamic and fun guy. We talked about the future of cities, the energy economy in Calgary and the rest of Alberta, and the upcoming Stampede. It turns out we had both bought the exact same new boots from the Alberta Boot Company. We obviously both have great taste. He then White-hatted me.

The Mayor and I then joined about 500 people for the Calgary Consulate’s 4th of July party — two days late. For the third day in a row the weather was perfect and a good time was had by all. One special surprise was the band, led by well-known Calgary blues artist Gary Martin who is originally from Chicago. He assembled a band of American musicians to play some great rhythm and blues for the event. I had a chance to visit with them and we compared notes on our favorite songs and performers (Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf). They played a request from me — one of my all time favorites: Howlin’ Wolf’s “Built for Comfort.” It begins: “Some folks built like this. Some folks built like that. But the way I’m built don’t you call me fat. Because I’m built for comfort. Not for speed.”

No comments please.

The next day I started out visiting with my friend Dave Rutherford on his morning radio show. Then it was off to the University of Calgary for a site visit of the Solar Decathlon house. A team of University of Calgary students will represent Canada in the 2011 Department of Energy Solar Decathlon competition in Washington, D.C. in September. The contest challenges 20 student-led teams to demonstrate inventive, clean-energy solutions by building solar-powered houses that are cost-effective and energy-efficient.

 

The University of Calgary Solar Decathlon Team’s Cenovus TRTL

 

The students gave me a tour of their entry, called The Cenovus TRTL (pronounced ‘turtle’) – Technological Residence, Traditional Living,  a safe, durable, net-zero home designed to address critical issues in Aboriginal housing. The team is working with the Treaty 7 First Nations of Southern Alberta on the housing concept and design. The team’s spiritual and cultural advisor Dr. Reg Crowshoe, a Piikani Blackfoot Elder, joined us at the site. Following the tour, he thanked me for coming by, presenting me with a traditional Blackfoot blanket and sang a song for me in Blackfoot. Then Monique Kimber, a member of the team’s Aboriginal Advisory Council, presented me with a handcrafted necklace with a turtle design reflecting the solar home’s shape and Aboriginal influences. 

 

Dr. Reg Crowshoe presents Ambassador Jacobson with a traditional Blackfoot blanket

Ambassador Jacobson wears a traditional Blackfoot blanket

 Then it was time to get ready for the Stampede. I had everything I needed, except western shirts. I now have two. One looks like an American flag. The other has a skeleton dancing among beer bottles on the back, which I was assured in the store was completely appropriate for the Stampede. We’ll see.  

Ambassador Jacobson with Steve Snyder, President and CEO of TransAlta Corporation and former U.S. Ambassador to Canada Gordon Giffin

Ambassador Jacobson's western shirt

 

Sporting my flag shirt, I went to the Prime Minister’s reception where the guests of honor were the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. There were vast numbers of people waiting 10 deep around the building to catch a glimpse of the Royal Couple. 

Next it was off to the annual dinner Gen. Natynczyk gives at the Stampede for friends of the Canadian Forces. The guests of honor were Adm. Sandy Winnefeld and his wife Mary. Adm. Winnefeld is the Commanding Officer of NORAD and NORTHCOM. He was recently nominated by President Obama to be the Vice Chair of the Chiefs of Staff, the second ranking position in the U.S. military. I have been privileged to get to know Adm. Winnefeld over the last year and his promotion is enormously well deserved. The U.S. military is in outstanding hands.

Tomorrow we Stampede!

DJ

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July 7, 2011: Navigating the Largest Trading Corridor in the World

Thursday, July 7th, 2011

The Detroit-Windsor trade corridor serves as the backbone to the world’s strongest economic partnership. The U.S. and Canada enjoy the largest and most comprehensive trading relationship found between any two states in the world with over $1 trillion in annual trade and investment.  U.S. trade with Canada totaled more than $520 billion in 2010.  Many people don’t realize it, but U.S. exports to Canada exceeded U.S. exports to China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore combined.

Last week I navigated that critical Detroit-Windsor trade corridor with members of the President’s Export Council (PEC) on their first international foray.  PEC members consulted with a group of vibrant Detroit area small- and medium-sized enterprises and met with the CEO representing the Canadian Council of Chief Executives and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters to investigate what has made the U.S-Canadian trading relationship so strong.

It’s only appropriate that PEC members’ first international foray should be to Canada.  If we are going to meet President Obama’s National Export Initiative goal of doubling exports by 2014, Canada will figure prominently in that effort.  Increased U.S./Canada trade benefits both countries’ economies, jobs outlook and future growth.  U.S. exports to Canada increased by $44 billion in 2010 – up 22 percent.

We asked some of the best minds in the U.S. and Canadian business worlds to tell us what we can take from the success of the U.S.-Canadian commercial relationship that may be helpful in creating supply chain opportunities in other countries.  We discussed ideas on how to bolster cross-border trade and reduce the bureaucracy that slows down the movement of goods and people at our borders.

We talked about the importance of the North American competitiveness and steps the U.S. and Canada can take together to improve the efficiency of our marketplace.  This includes finding ways to constantly improve the flow of trade across our mutual border as well as investment in border crossing infrastructure such as new customs facilities, new and upgraded bridges, roads and tunnels.  An important focus was on what can be done to smooth the export process for small and medium businesses.

The PEC members will report back to President Obama on what they have heard last week in order for the U.S, and Canadian governments to incorporate the ideas into our border and regulatory cooperation initiatives.

By the end of business today, more than $1.4 billion dollars in merchandise will travel through the Detroit-Windsor trade corridor.

Tomorrow – it’s $1.4 billion and counting.

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July 4, 2011: Ottawa

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

This afternoon we had a backyard BBQ for 4000 friends. Luckily, we have a very big backyard. 

4th of July at the Ambassador's Residence

The party was great fun and there were so many highlights. But I have to start with the surprise appearance of Laureen Harper. Her presence says a lot about the extraordinary relationship between the United States and Canada, and between the President and the Prime Minister. It also says a lot about her love for BBQ. 

Julie Jacobson, Ambassador David Jacobson, and Laureen Harper

We also had a BBQ cook-off among three teams from the United States and three from Canada.  For three days, 25 of the best BBQ chefs in North America were camped out on my lawn. For three days I felt compelled to test their recipes. (I was joking that I needed to make a stop to see my cardiologist when this was all over. In fact, it turned out our friend Dr. Robert Roberts, the head of the Ottawa Heart Institute, was among the 4000.)  

I suppose everyone – including me – thought the U.S. was going to sweep the contest. It was my chance to get even for the Gold Medal Hockey Game. So I bet Mrs. Harper a couple of cases of beer. Alas, I took it on the chin again. The Canadians won Best Chicken, Best Ribs, Best Pork Butt (I don’t make up these names); and Best National Team. The Americans took the loss hard.  But I sense a new national rivalry developing!

A BBQ Chef prepares ribs for the 4th of July event

There were so many great friends who attended. Everyone had a great time. Most notably Julie and me. 

There are a bunch of people I want to thank for their efforts, starting with the Canadian people.  They have been our friends. They have welcomed us into their country and into their homes.  They have treated us like family. I can say without reservation that the United States and Canada are the greatest of friends and allies.  

Julie Jacobson, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, and Ambassador David Jacobson

The celebration wouldn’t have been possible without the volunteers from our Embassy and their families as well as the staff at our residence. They are the ones who deserve the credit, not Julie and me.

I want to thank John Woods, our BBQ guru, who assembled the teams and organized the competition in a flawless way. And I want to thank all of our sponsors. Our national day is NOT paid for by the United States government. It is totally supported by our sponsors. Without their generosity the event literally would not have happened.  

Juno award winner Sean Jones sings the Star Spangled Banner

On the music front, I want to thank our headliner, Ottawa’s own Lynn Miles; Sean Jones, who did a spectacular version of O Canada and the Star Spangled Banner; and the Governor General’s Band of the Ceremonial Guard, who performed good old fashioned 4th of July marching music for our guests.

The Governor General's Band of the Ceremonial Guard

During the party I had a chance to give a few reflections on the significance of the 4th of July which I would like to repeat here:

On July 4, 1776, in the yard of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, a man named John Nixon read a document which changed the course of history. That Declaration of Independence famously began: 

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed….” 

We are here today, 235 years later, to celebrate what George Washington referred to as “the experiment entrusted in the hands of the American people.” That experiment has served the American people well–in times of peace and in times of war; in times of plenty and in times of want. 

It has been the answer to the cynical, to the fearful, and to the doubtful. There have been times — like the present — when the road is long. The climb is steep. But we’ve always — always — made it to the top of the hill. 

One of the things I’ve learned since I got to Canada is that our two countries share so many of the values that are enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. Therefore, if all of us – Americans and Canadians – work together, we can change our countries … we can change the world for the better. We can continue Washington’s great experiment toward a more perfect union. 

American flag at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador

So I ask each of you to come together in a spirit of responsibility and mutual respect, to pitch in and work harder. Not only for ourselves, but for each other.  In the words of my boss Barack Obama: “This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time.”

DJ

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July 4, 2011: The Morning on Parliament Hill, Ottawa

Monday, July 4th, 2011

After a quick early morning interview on Canada AM about the upcoming 4th of July bash, we started our celebration by watching the Changing of the Ceremonial Guard  on Parliament Hill.  We did this last year and aside from all the impressive pageantry and the beautiful setting on a glorious day, I was particularly touched that the Guard honored the United States by playing American patriotic music throughout the ceremony.  Hearing the Washington Post March and the Stars and Stripes Forever on the grounds of the Canadian capital reminded me of the extraordinarily close relationship between our two countries.

Ambassador and Mrs. Jacobson with members of the Ceremonial Guard, Parliament Hill Ottawa, July 4, 2011

Changing of the Guard, Ottawa

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July 1, 2011: Canada Day Ottawa

Monday, July 4th, 2011

Today was Canada Day and here in Ottawa it was all Will and Kate all the time!

Julie and I went to the big celebration on Parliament Hill.  300,000 people.  We were lucky enough to get a seat up front with the other diplomats and when the Royal Couple walked in Julie got a good close up photo.

William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Ottawa on Canada Day

It was VERY hot out in the sun.  But the show was great.  And when Prince William got up to speak the place went wild.

Julie with Caroline Linke, wife of the Australian High Commissioner to Canada, and Bronwyn Klenner, wife of New Zealand High Commissioner to Ottawa

In the evening, we went to watch fireworks at the Foreign Affairs building.  Foreign Minister Baird was hosting the event for the diplomatic corps.   There had been much speculation that the Royal Couple might join us for fireworks.  And sure enough, just before the fireworks began they arrived.

Afterwards, Julie and I were lucky enough to meet them.  We talked about their upcoming visit to Los Angeles and their recent meeting in London with President Obama and the First Lady.  They were delightful. 

It is ironic that in three days we will be celebrating the 235th anniversary of the United States separating itself from British Royalty.  After we met the Royal Couple someone asked me if I was still glad we had that Revolution in 1776.  I must say that while they were as nice as can be, I do think things worked out for the best on both sides of the Atlantic.

Definitely a fun day.  Happy Birthday Canada.

DJ

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