January 26, 2021 – Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Today, Minister Garneau spoke to his U.S. counterpart, Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Minister Garneau congratulated Secretary Blinken on his confirmation.
Minister Garneau and Secretary Blinken spoke about the importance of the Canada-U.S. bilateral relationship based on mutual respect and our shared priorities, including the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, protecting supply chains and bilateral trade, the promotion of human rights and democratic values, and ensuring the strength of our collective and bilateral security agreements.
Minister Garneau emphasized the importance of cooperation in areas like the management of the border, vaccines, the movement of critical PPE and personnel, and uninterrupted supply chains so we generate economic growth and create jobs on both sides of the border.
Minister Garneau expressed his disappointment at the cancellation of the presidential permit for the Keystone XL pipeline.
Minister Garneau welcomed the new U.S. administration’s commitment to re-engage with partners in multilateral institutions, particularly in the World Health Organization and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
The Minister and the Secretary also agreed to continue to work together on the arbitrary detentions in China of Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor.
They look forward to further discussing their expanding cooperation and agreed to remain in close touch.
