Today President Barack Obama (United States) and Prime Minister Stephen Harper (Canada) had their first official visit. President Obama arrived in Ottawa early Thursday morning to discuss problems affecting both America and Canada including climate change, trade, and easing border troubles.
Harper stated that they both outlined a few important topics that affect both countries including economic growth, and the stabilization of Afghanistan. Lately there has been speculation of whether Canada will continue being apart of the Afghanistan mission. In addition, today there was no pressure by the American President for Canada to continue their commitment.
There was also talk today on the continuing struggle to cross the border into the United states as the previous American government enforced limits regarding identification when crossing the border, making it necessary to carry a valid passport. Although there wasn’t an official agreement on the status of the border, there is speculation that Obama might ease the pain for Canadians wishing to travel to the United States.
Obama spent six hours in the Canadian capital, leaving at approximately 5:30 PM EST right after he quickly chatted with the opposition leader in Canada, Michael Ignatieff.