The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
Follow along as President Obama meets with Canada's Prime Minister Trudeau and Mexico's President Nieto in Ottawa, Canada.
The President was in Ottawa, Canada today for the North American Leaders' Summit.
This Summit (NALS) presents an important opportunity for the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to meet together in recognition of the value of a more integrated North America in order to advance the security and prosperity of the entire continent. After all, North America is home to a community of over 500 million people who enjoy shared democratic values, vibrant economies, dynamic cultures, and cooperation on pressing global and regional issues. As consumers, the people of North America are and will continue to be an economic powerhouse on the global stage.
Fun fact: Canada is also the first country President Obama visited after taking office in 2009. "It was February", he said, today. "A little colder. I was a little younger. Michelle now refers to my hair as the Great White North." In an address to the Canadian Parliament and the people of Canada, President Obama outlined our shared vision and values that define why the world looks to the U.S. and Canada as an example of leadership.
Watch a few key moments from the speech:
"It is because we respect all people that the world looks to us as an example."
"I believe these are not merely American values or Canadian values...they are universal values"-#POTUSinCanadahttps://t.co/nDIT2ymnpX
— WH National Security (@NSC44) June 29, 2016
If you watch one moment from today's address, watch this one.
"We must not waver in embracing our values, our best selves, our histories as nations of immigrants."
"We must not waver in embracing our values, our best selves, our histories as nations of immigrants."-#POTUSinCanadahttps://t.co/ichcE4RZaj
— WH National Security (@NSC44) June 29, 2016
President Obama discusses the global refugee crisis and our responsibility to help those seeking safety within our borders and across the globe.
"This is the only planet we’ve got. And this may be the last shot we’ve got to save it."
"This is the only planet we’ve got. And this may be the last shot we’ve got to save it."-@POTUS. https://t.co/B0UQQKQAtJ #ActOnClimate
— WH National Security (@NSC44) June 29, 2016
Clean energy and climate took center stage at NALS as the three countries come together to release a North American climate clean energy and environment partnership. Jeff Zients and Brian Deese break down the plan here, but here are the key components of today's plan:
- A historic goal to achieve 50% clean power across North America by 2025, through a combination of renewable energy, nuclear power, power plants using carbon capture & storage, and cutting energy waste through efficiency.
- Mexico will join the United States and Canada in our commitment to reduce methane emissions 40 - 45 percent by 2025. In January 2015, President Obama announced the 40-45 percent goal for the United States. In March of this year, Prime Minister Trudeau announced the same goal. With this week’s announcement by President Pena Nieto, the three North American countries will have aligned independent methane targets.
Read the Leaders' statement on the North American, Clean Energy, and Environment Partnership
"More trade and people to people ties can also help break down old divides."
"More trade and people to people ties can also help break down old divides"-@POTUS on #TPP. https://t.co/bFIE4HpOKchttps://t.co/vmzaTtejBr
— WH National Security (@NSC44) June 29, 2016
President Obama lays out why our nations need the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Learn more about the President's trade agreement here: www.ustr.gov/TPP
