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Ask the Ambassador: U.S.-Canadian Relations and Northern Issues

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David H. Wilkins Date: Friday, 16 February 2007 Time: 2:00 p.m. EST (1900 GMT) View Webchat Transcript

As North American and Arctic neighbors, the United States deeply values its historical ties with Canada. The two nations enjoy shared experiences in building strong communities among diverse and unique cultures, as well as cooperation in advancing common economic, security and environmental objectives, such as curbing climate change. During this web chat, U.S. Ambassador to Canada David H. Wilkins will be available live to engage in a discussion with Canadians on these and other issues of concern in the North.

Guest Biography:

David H. Wilkins became the 21st U.S. ambassador to Canada on June 29, 2005.

In his capacity as ambassador, Wilkins has worked extensively with various U.S. and Canadian officials to seek resolution of high-profile issues such as those related to softwood lumber, BSE ("mad cow disease") and the Western Hemisphere (Passport) Travel Initiative. He has visited every Canadian province and territory. In addition, Wilkins has tirelessly encouraged visits to Canada by American officials such as Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Treasury Secretary John Snow, Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman, as well as numerous White House officials and congressmen. Wilkins was actively involved in the 2006 Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) meetings in Mexico between Prime Minister Harper and President Bush, as well as the follow-up meeting between the two leaders when President Bush hosted the Canadian official at the White House. The SPP has as its goal continental economic integration.

Wilkins was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1980 and served there for 25 years. He was the first Republican to become the elected speaker of any legislative body in the American South since the 1880s, and retired as one of the longest serving speakers in the country's history.