October 8, 2019
For Immediate Release
Statement by Chargé d’Affaires Richard Mills on the 20th Birthday of the United States Embassy in Ottawa
“Today marks an exciting milestone in the history of U.S.-Canada relations: 20 years since the dedication of the United States Embassy in Ottawa at its 490 Sussex Drive location.
“U.S. diplomatic ties in Canada extend back to 1833 with the first U.S. Consulate in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Ottawa became the Embassy’s permanent home in 1932 with the construction of a new U.S. chancery at 100 Wellington Street, across from Parliament Hill. When we outgrew the Wellington Street site, Architect David Childs was selected to design a building on Sussex Drive that would serve as a physical – and through its design a symbolic – link between Canada and the United States.
“President Bill Clinton dedicated the new Embassy on October 8, 1999. On that day, he reminded us of our responsibility as friends, partners, and allies:
“Let us show the world we don’t need to be afraid of people who are different from us. We can respect them. We can differ honestly. But always we must reaffirm our common humanity. That, to me, is the true story of our long friendship, which this magnificent building embodies.”
“The U.S.-Canada relationship has only grown deeper since that fine day in 1999. More than 1,000 U.S. and Canadian staff work to further our bilateral relationship at the Embassy in Ottawa and across our seven U.S. consulates. Here in Ottawa, our U.S. families are active participants in community life. We commute along the Rideau Canal, eat lunch in the ByWard Market, and take every opportunity to enjoy the natural splendor of Gatineau Park. We celebrate the beauty of the frosty Canadian winters and we bask in the warm friendships we’ve had the honor to make during our time in Canada.
“On this happy anniversary, we express our heartfelt thanks to Ottawa community and to all Canadians for your welcome to each of us, your friendship, and the lasting memories we leave with when our time in Canada finishes.”
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For more information about the history of the United States Embassy in Ottawa, please visit the featured poster show along the Embassy’s Sussex Drive fence, or follow U.S. Embassy Ottawa on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
