April 2011

1 April 2011: Regulatory Cooperation Public Comment Extension

The department of commerce today announced an extension of the request for public comment to the Federal Register notice on regulatory cooperation activities in North America. The comment period has been extended to April 18, 2011. Received Comments »
5 April 2011: Ambassador Jacobson in Montreal

March 24th and 25th, Ambassador Jacobson took part in a pair of events in Montreal: a panel discussion with Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. Gary Doer, and AMERICANA 2011.
6 April 2011: Scientists Detect Record Depletion in Arctic Ozone Hole

The depletion of the ozone layer over the Arctic is more severe than scientists have ever seen it, with a 40 percent loss occurring from the beginning of winter to late March.
7 April 2011: Podcast: Peter Cartwright, Water Expert

Peter Cartwright is a "water expert", and his career in the water industry has spanned nearly four decades. He specializes in water purification and treatment, and he has shared his vast knowledge with audiences around the world. Mr. Cartwright was recently in Ottawa, where he spoke with us about the challenges and opportunities presented by a limited supply of fresh water. (4:55, 4.5MB MP3)
7 April 2011: 60th Anniversary of the Refugee Convention

Secretary Clinton: "We salute the courage and the dedication of all those whose moral compasses did not fail them, but instead compelled them, compelled them to help in this vital endeavor of standing up for the very best values that unite all of us regardless of geography or race, tribe or religion." Video »
8 April 2011: Podcast: Jennifer Lawless, Director, Women & Politics Institute at American University

Jennifer Lawless, PhD, is a professor and the Director of the Women & Politics Institute at American University in Washington, D.C. She was in Ottawa to speak at the Equal Voice Leadership Summit on March 11, 2011. She spoke to us about why it matters to have more women involved in the political system, and gave advice to women who would like to run for elected office. (4:04, 3.7MB MP3) News Release »
8 April 2011: 2010 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices

Secretary Clinton: "The United States will stand with those who seek to advance the causes of democracy and human rights wherever they may live, and we will stand with those who exercise their fundamental freedoms of expression and assembly in a peaceful way, whether in person, in print, or in pixels on the internet." Canada Chapter »
11 April 2011: Podcast: Benoit Swan-Pouffer, Artistic Director of New York City's Cedar Lake Ballet

Benoit Swan-Pouffer is the Artistic Director of New York City's contemporary dance company, Cedar Lake. He was recently in Ottawa to teach a master class to local ballet students. In this podcast, he talks about the importance for young dancers to be able to learn techniques from a variety of dance styles to support their artistic expression and a choreographer's vision. (4:38, 4.2MB MP3) Full Story »
12 April 2011: California Wine Fair

Last week, Ottawa played host to the California Wine Fair, an event sponsored by the U.S. Mission to Canada and the Foreign Agricultural Service. Photo Gallery »
13 April 2011: Presidential Proclamation -- Civil War Sesquicentennial

President Obama: "I call upon all Americans to observe this Sesquicentennial with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that honor the legacy of freedom and unity that the Civil War bestowed upon our Nation."
13 April 2011: International Year of Forests

"This year, in honor of the International Year of Forests and Earth Day, the United States is reaffirming its commitment to work toward a more sustainable future for people today and for future generations."
14 April 2011: Pan American Day and Pan American Week

President Obama: "As we celebrate Pan American Day and Pan American Week, let us reemphasize the cooperation between all nations of the Americas as a vital part of our interconnected world."
15 April 2011: "Ready Lane" at Blaine

A new lane for for travelers with Radio-Frequency ID (RFID) documents recently opened at the Blaine, Washington, Port of Entry.
15 April 2011: Jazz Appreciation Month Contest

April is Jazz Appreciation Month, and to celebrate US Embassy Ottawa is giving away some cool prizes!
18 April 2011: State Department Releases Keystone XL Pipeline Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement

The U.S. Department of State posted the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Keystone XL pipeline on April 15. Keystone Pipeline website »
18 April 2011: Cultural Blog: Attention Music-loving Elementary School Parents and Teachers!

What do you do to jazz up music appreciation in your school? April is Jazz Appreciation Month and in celebration, the U.S. Embassy is awarding a special musical prize. Related: Win a Jazz Anthology »
18 April 2011: President Obama's Passover Message

"As Jewish families gather for this joyous celebration of freedom, let us all be thankful for the gifts that have been bestowed upon us, and let us work to alleviate the suffering, poverty, injustice and hunger of those who are not yet free. Chag Sameach."
19 April 2011: Ambassador's Blog: Road Trip!

Read about the Ambassador's visits to the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, the Center for Canadian Studies at Duke University, and the Canada-United States Law Institute!
21 April 2011: Conversations on Diplomacy

Secretary Clinton: "It has been one of my goals as Secretary of State to really look at 21st century statecraft and to recognize the increasing role that people-to-people diplomacy plays in assisting the United States in understanding trends, and in influencing decisions."
22 April 2011: Earth Day

President Obama: "For over 40 years, our Nation has come together on Earth Day to appreciate and raise awareness about our environment, natural heritage, and the resources upon which generations of Americans have depended."
26 April 2011: Ambassador's Blog: Habitat for Humanity

Ambassador Jacobson: "Yesterday I had an extraordinary opportunity. My wife Julie and I, along with 10 of my colleagues from the United States Embassy, spent the day rehabbing a house with other volunteers from Habitat for Humanity."
28 April 2011: The Exchange 2.0 Summit

"We have over one million alumni of State Department led exchanges living and working around the world today. It is a network that includes more than 50 Nobel laureates and more than 350 current or former government leaders." Video »
29 April 2011: Ambassador's Blog: Devil’s Lake, North Dakota and Morris, Manitoba

Ambassador Jacobson: "The last couple of days I traveled in Manitoba and North Dakota and saw a disaster in slow motion."