Consulate News Archive

NASA Plays audio "Time Capsule" of historic Apollo 11 Mission - July 16-24
HOUSTON -- NASA will provide a unique audio "time capsule" in observance of the 40th anniversary of the first human landing on the moon. Audio from the entire Apollo 11 mission will be replayed and streamed on the Internet at exactly the same time and date it was broadcast in 1969.

The audio retrospective will begin at 6:32 a.m. CDT Thursday, July 16, two hours before the spacecraft launched. The audio will continue through splashdown of the mission at 11:51 a.m. CDT Friday, July 24, and recovery of the crew shortly afterward. The Web stream will feature the communications between the astronauts and ground teams, and commentary from Mission Control at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

To listen to the replay, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/

For historical information about Apollo 11, visit:
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/

NASA's Apollo 40th anniversary Web site:
http://www.nasa.gov/apollo40th

Where were you on July 20, 1969? How did this momentous event impact your life? Record your comments and impressions here!

15 July 09
Fairleigh Dickinson University Visit
Students at the Vancouver campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University enjoyed a session with Consul General Phil Chicola who spoke about his career in the U.S. Foreign Service and told anecdotes of his career, such as encounters with the flamboyant president of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez. The consul general was hosted June 5 by Dr. Touss Sepehr, professor of political science at Fairleigh Dickinson.

Solicitation for Ground Transportation, 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics
The Consulate General of the United States of America invites you to submit a proposal for ground transportation during the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

The Consulate intends to conduct a pre-proposal conference, and all prospective offerors will be invited to attend. The pre-proposal conference will be held at the Consulate on July 30, 2009, at 1:00 pm. For an invitation please contact Marie Klimek at klimekm@state.gov and Kevin Crisp at crispkb@state.gov.

Submit your proposal in a sealed envelope marked "Proposal Enclosed" to Kevin Crisp, U.S. Consulate General, 1095 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 2M6, on or before 4:00 p.m., August 11, 2009. No proposal will be accepted after this time. [more]

6 July 09
Consulate General Vancouver's Independence Day celebration
A light drizzle didn't dampen the celebratory spirit of Consulate General Vancouver's Independence Day celebration on July 6.

Consul General Phil Chicola and the honorable Lt. Gov. Steven Point, representing the British Columbia provincial government, both spoke about the close ties between the U.S. and Canada, particularly between British Columbia and Washington State. The lieutenant governor, an elected chief of the Skowkale First Nation for 15 years and former tribal chair of the Sto:lo Nation government, said because First Nations territories extend to both sides of the international border he was able to work in the U.S. when he was young. Ties between the two countries are so close that he holds a U.S. social security number from those days.

Consul General Chicola read President Obama's July 4 message to some 370 guests at the garden party (see entire message on this website).

Contributing to the celebration were the color guard, comprised of members of the 39 Canadian Brigade Group HQ and U.S. Marine Aviation Training Support Group 53, and a brass quintet provided by the Band of the Fifteenth Field Regiment, Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery. Mark Donnelly, anthem singer for the Vancouver Canucks, led the crowd in singing the Star-Spangled Banner and O Canada.

[Read more and view slideshow]]  [Read Joy Metcalfe's account]

6 July 09
Consulate General Vancouver's Independence Day celebration
A light drizzle didn't dampen the celebratory spirit of Consulate General Vancouver's Independence Day celebration on July 6.

Consul General Phil Chicola and the honorable Lt. Gov. Steven Point, representing the British Columbia provincial government, both spoke about the close ties between the U.S. and Canada, particularly between British Columbia and Washington State. The lieutenant governor, an elected chief of the Skowkale First Nation for 15 years and former tribal chair of the Sto:lo Nation government, said because First Nations territories extend to both sides of the international border he was able to work in the U.S. when he was young. Ties between the two countries are so close that he holds a U.S. social security number from those days.

Consul General Chicola read President Obama's July 4 message to some 370 guests at the garden party (see entire message on this website).

Contributing to the celebration were the color guard, comprised of members of the 39 Canadian Brigade Group HQ and U.S. Marine Aviation Training Support Group 53, and a brass quintet provided by the Band of the Fifteenth Field Regiment, Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery. Mark Donnelly, anthem singer for the Vancouver Canucks, led the crowd in singing the Star-Spangled Banner and O Canada.

[[Read more and view slideshow]]  [Read Joy Metcalfe's account]

6 July 09
Second Amtrak Cascades train between Seattle and Vancouver, BC gets “green light” from Canadian government; New service cleared to begin in August. More

President Obama's 4th of July Message
Today, we are called upon to remember not only the day our country was born, but also the indomitable spirit of the first American citizens who made that day possible. We are called to remember how unlikely it was that our American experiment would succeed at all; that a small band of patriots would declare independence from a powerful empire; and that they would form, in the new world, what the old world had never known - a government of, by, and for the people. [more]

29 June 09
Americans in the fictitious country of “Chatu”-- which for a few days was situated in the state of North Carolina-- were “rescued” in an evacuation exercise with the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team from Fort Bragg. U.S. Consul General Phil Chicola, who is usually at the helm at U.S. Consulate General Vancouver, took part in the exercise playing the role of Ambassador of Chatu.

Consul General Chicola was chosen because he’s been involved in actual evacuations during his State Department career.

Canada underwent the largest-scale evacuation in the country’s history in July, 2006, when Lebanon was under fire. An estimated 50,000 Canadians were in Lebanon, some 30,000 registered with the Canadian embassy in Beirut.

For the exercise in North Carolina in June, more than 1,000 paratroopers, 70 airmen, State Department officials and people taking the roles of evacuees took part. Lessons learned from the exercise will help the Brigade refine its evacuation procedures.

An account of the exercise in The Fayette Observer. [photo slideshow]

18 June 09
Embassy Press Officer takes in local color in Surrey
US Embassy Press Officer Stacy White spent the day June 18 getting to know Vancouver, starting with a courtesy call to CBC, followed by a visit to the University of British Columbia School of Journalism. She was guest at a lunch hosted by editor Paula Carlson of the Surrey/North Delta Leader. They discussed how rapidly the City of Surrey is growing, the loss of Surrey farmland to development, and the effects on Surrey of being a border municipality. Ms. Carlson spoke about how the Leader has gained “unlimited space” for news volume on the Internet, updating paper new editions daily on the Internet. Ms. White also took the opportunity to see both the Peace Arch and Pacific Highway border crossings and construction of the new U.S. border station at Peace Arch. Ms. White had the lead for Mission Canada in reporting the effects of the June 1 implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative when passport or other secure document identification requirements kicked in for land and water arrivals to the United States.

16 June 09
Trafficking in Persons Report 2009
"The ninth annual Trafficking in Persons Report sheds light on the faces of modern-day slavery and on new facets of this global problem. The human trafficking phenomenon affects virtually every country, including the United States. In acknowledging America’s own struggle with modern-day slavery and slavery-related practices, we offer partnership. We call on every government to join us in working to build consensus and leverage resources to eliminate all forms of human trafficking."
[Full Report] [Canada Section]
[Press Release: Canadian Benjamin Perrin Named a Hero in the U.S. State Department 2009 Trafficking in Persons Report] .

16 June 09
President Obama Announces New White House Office of Olympic, Paralympic and Youth Sport
WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced the formation of the White House Office of Olympic, Paralympic and Youth Sport. This permanent White House office will promote the values of the Olympic Movement and encourage increased youth participation in athletics. The primary function of the Office will be to enhance awareness of the Olympic Movement through promotion of its fundamental principles at the federal level.

President Obama said, “It is an important goal of my administration to give our nation’s children every possible tool they need to grow, learn and succeed in life. A key part of this is increasing access to healthy, constructive activities like sports for our nation’s children. Too many American kids – particularly those in urban areas – have no access to organized sporting activities. Sports are an important way to instill values, judgment and teamwork in our nation’s kids, and this new office reflects our commitment to giving all our children a chance to thrive. As the International Olympic Committee moves forward with their selection process we hope that this new office can serve as a model for youth involvement worldwide.” [more]

04 June 09
27th May - Community Honours Local Vets For Service In Afghanistan
110 Service Men and Women from British Columbia and the rest of Canada attended May 27 Reception -- A casual conversation between two friends on the personal and family sacrifices made by Canadian troops serving in Afghanistan has turned into a celebration aimed at honouring the ongoing service of Canada’s military and their families.

To hear Consul General Phil Chicola talk with Chris Brown on CBC-BC Radio’s Early Edition about the reception to honor veterans of the Afghanistan conflict, click here.
[more/slideshow]

26 May 09
The US Consulate cooperated with the Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society in bringing New York-based acclaimed writer, Xu Xi, to Vancouver this week, to participate in several explorAsian Festival events in connection with Asian Heritage Month. The Public Affairs office worked closely with UBC’s Irving K Barber Learning Centre and the Department of Asian Studies to coordinate a reading and Q & A that proved to be very successful. Despite the school year’s end and competition with UBC’s Graduation day, 25 people stepped into the Lillooet Room to listen to and get to know Xu Xi. Here are some pictures from yesterday’s event. Xu Xi read on the 26th evening at the Roundhouse Community Centre, an important Vancouver community space. Then on the 27th Xu Xi joined Newworld Theatre in a multi-media presentation at the Richmond Cultural Centre.
[photo slideshow] .

19 May 09
A Visit From Ottawa
Minister Counselor for Public Affairs from the American Embassy in Ottawa, Linda Cheatham, visited Vancouver during the third week of May. During her visit, to participate in a Fulbright Directors Meeting, Ms. Cheatham also met Public Affairs staff at the US Consulate General Vancouver and accompanied them to the Vancouver Aquarium for a meeting with its director John Nightingale and a tour of the aquarium, one of North America’s most important research stations.

Ms. Cheatham later met for lunch with Mr. Naseer Pirzada, the managing editor of The Miracle, and Mr. David Jang, reporter for Sing Tao Daily, both important papers serving immigrant Canadian audiences in BC. The Miracle published an account of the meeting in its May 22 print and May 25 on-line editions. You can read the article here. [photo slideshow].

14 May 09
West Point Grey Academy Nith Grader Designs Winnning Logo For U.S. 2010 Olympics Coordination Office
West Point Grey Academy ninth grader Tiffane (correct) Mak was thrilled when told her design was selected in an area schools competition as the official United States Consulate General logo for the 2010 Olympics.
The young artist was presented a certificate of appreciation Monday May 11 by U.S. Consul General Phil Chicola, at a West Point Grey Academy student assembly. Representatives from the U.S. Olympic Coordination office also attended the ceremony. [More/Photos].

08 May 09
Working with Our Neighbors to Promote Reading
The Consulate General Vancouver is working closely with the Seattle Public Library system to promote joint reading projects between Vancouver and Seattle. As part of this cooperation we would like to host on our website podcasts of events held under the auspices of the Seattle Public Library. This podcast features a staged reading by the Hansberry Project of My Jim
[listen to podcast].

April 21 2009 - Podcast with Roberta Jacobson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs
Roberta Jacobson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, speaks with Public Affairs Officier Indran Amirthanayagam. [more].

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative - June 1 Deadline
Carol Cox, head of the American Citizens Services section at US Consulate General Vancouver, joined CFAX 1030 talk show host Joe Easingwood April 16 to talk about the upcoming changes in border documentation required June 1 under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (See box on the right column of this website on Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, changes as of June 1, or click here). CFAX’ signal reaches a Vancouver Island audience from Sooke to the Malahat. Carol discussed WHTI-compliant travel documents, such as a passport, passport card, enhanced drivers license (EDL), and Trusted Traveler Program card, such as NEXUS (see NEXUS section on right of webpage), for land border crossings. She mentioned that U.S. and Canadian children under age 16 only need a birth certificate to cross land & sea borders even after June 1st. U.S. and Canadian children under age 19 with a social, school, or religious group also can travel with a birth certificate.

17 April 09
Consul General Phillip Chicola was interviewed by The Georgia Straight editor Charlie Smith and writer Travis Lupick for two April 17 articles: Cuban-American U.S. diplomat says Obama’s Cuba policy “not dissimilar” to those of Clinton, Bush Sr. (article here), and U.S. Consul General to Vancouver says demand for drugs at core of gang wars (article here).

The Cuba story coincides with changes announced by President Obama regarding Americans visiting Cuba. [Photo].

07 April 09
Consul General Phil Chicola Chats With Fanny Kiefer
On April 7, Consul General Phillip Chicola had a lively interview with Shaw Studio 4 host Fanny Kiefer, describing how his family left Cuba after Fidel Castro took power, and how the family settled in Florida then Nebraska. Chicola talked about the closeness of US-Canada ties, with Vancouver having more in common with Seattle than with Montreal, and Seattle having more in common culturally and geographically with Vancouver than, say, Birmingham, Alabama. He touched on regulations of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and spoke of US responsibilities for the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver for US athletes, VIPs and visiting citizens. He mentioned consistency in goals of US administrations, opposed always to nuclear weapons in the hands of countries with dictators and no checks and balances. He emphasized the need for NATO support in Afghanistan. This program, which is re-run during the day, reaches an estimated audience of up to 80,000 daily.

12 March 09
Consul General Phillip Chicola spoke to some 80 members and guests of Rotary Club Vancouver-Yaletown March 12 about the Obama government and future directions of US foreign policy. The consul general remarked on how general goals of the United States remain the same from one administration to the next. He compared President Obama to past presidents, particularly presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt who faced enormous economic challenges and Ronald Reagan, who like Obama had a strong vision. The event was held at the Vancouver campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University on Cambie Street. This branch which offers degrees in technology and business, is affiliated with Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.

25 February 09
In coordination with teacher Beth Applewhite, Public Affairs organized a visit to Moscrop Secondary School in Burnaby. In the welcoming atmosphere of the school’s library, Public Affairs Officer (PAO) Indran Amirthanayagam spoke to students about US/Canada relations, discussed the world recession and President Obama’s economic stiumulus plans. The students quickly engaged into discussions with PAO, asking various questions about the U.S., while also showing quite a bit of curiosity in wanting to know more about what is means to be a diplomat. They also asked him about his native country of Sri Lanka and its politics. [More/Photos].

February 09
U.S. Consulate General Vancouver held a videoconference February 9 with the Customs and Border Protection representative at U.S. Embassy Ottawa to explain amendments to the Lacey Act, streamlining of Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) document review, and updates on Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and “10+2” Importer security filing. [More].

13 February 09
U.S. Consulate General Vancouver presented checks to representatives of BC Cancer Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. At the beginning of 2008, consulate employees nominated their favorite charity. The BC Cancer Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation received the highest number of votes. Thanks to the generosity of the consulate’s employees, in December 2008, the Food Bank received several boxes of goods. [Photos].

5 February 09
Consul General Phillip Chicola paid a courtesy call on Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts February 5 to learn about issues in the municipality on the U.S./Canada border, Surrey’s role in the 2010 Olympics and matters of mutual concern to Surrey and the U.S.

04 February 09
Consul General Phil Chicola Discusses U.S./Canada Trade on Bill Good. [Listen Here]

21 January 09
Celebrating the Inauguration in Vancouver and across Canada
21 January -- The Embassy of the United States of America in Ottawa and U.S. Consulates around the country joined with Canadians in celebrating the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Obama. [in Vancouver][across Canada] .

19 January 09
Martin Luther King is an American and world hero. President Obama's call for a National Day of Service both honored King and reminded Americans of the work to be done to get the country moving ahead in very difficult economic times.

PAO Indran Amirthanayagam spoke about service to honor President Obama's call for a Day of National Service on Martin Luther King Day. Read his speech.

17 January 09
U.S. Consul General Chicola speaks about US/Canada relations. Interview with the Indo Canadian Voice.

09 January 09
Consul General, Phil Chicola, is interviewed by Business in Vancouver magazine. Read here.

09 January 09
During his last-year’s visit to Vancouver in November, Ambassador David Wilkins, accompanied by Consul General Phil Chicola, paid a visit to The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. The Ambassador addressed Canadian reservists and praised them for their contributions in Afghanistan. Read about it here.

17 December 08
Consul General Phil Chicola Writes on RFID and Border Crossing.

16 December 08
Mapping U.S. and Canadian Waters: Some US-related Conservation Programs at the Vancouver Aquarium
The US Consulate General Vancouver has worked for many years with the Vancouver Aquarium on a number of projects, most recently the annual TD Canada Greater Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. As we approach year’s end, we thought readers would be interested in knowing more about the great bilateral work of the Vancouver Aquarium. The Vancouver Aquarium has a variety of conservation programs that reach throughout British Columbia. Some of the programs reach from the west all the way to the most northern and eastern regions of Canada, as well as into neighboring U.S. states.

Following is a list of programs that reach into the United States’ west coast...[more].

12 December 08
U.S. and Canada Sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Emergency Management Cooperation
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon signed a revised and updated United States-Canada Agreement on Emergency Management Cooperation. The agreement provides a framework for our two countries to cooperate in planning for and responding to natural and man-made incidents, emergencies, and disasters. [more] .

Web Chat with the Ambassador on December 11, 2008

U.S. Ambassador to Canada David H. Wilkins has devoted the last three and a half years to building up and enriching what he considers to be the best and most productive bilateral relationship in the world, that between Canada and the United States. As he prepares to leave the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa to return to his home in the United States, Ambassador Wilkins was pleased to participate in a web chat in order to answer questions and engage in discussion on Canada - U.S relations during his tenure as well as in terms of what he foresees for the future.

03 December 08
Construction of the new U.S. Border Station at the Peace Arch (Douglas) crossing
The worst is over. Construction of the new U.S. Border Station at the Peace Arch (Douglas) crossing is now a quarter of the way to completion, says William Lesh, public affairs manager for the U.S. General Services Administration Northwest/Arctic region. [more and photos].

DIPLOMACY AND DIVERSITY
PAO Indran Amirrthanayagam was invited to address students in SFU’s World Literature program at the university’s Surrey and Burnaby campuses the week of November 17. On 11/18 PAO talked about the purposes of diplomacy, his experiences in Canada and his work as a writer to a diverse audience of 50 students at SFU’s Surrey Campus. This was the first time CG Vancouver has presented a program at this new campus. On 11/20 PAO repeated the program before 60 students at SFU’s main Burnaby campus. SFU’s student body reflects the multicultural mix of Vancouver. They are mostly first generation immigrants from all corners of the globe. PAO’s message about combining creative writing and diplomacy and engaging in politics through voting, canvassing, and writing letters to the editor was well received. PAO has been invited to return to engage students again in early January. [slideshow]

20-21 November 08
Congress to Campus Program
More than 300 University of Victoria students came to hear former U.S. Congressman Jerry Patterson, California Democrat , and former U.S. Congressman Dan Miller, Florida Republican, talk about U.S. elections and critical issues before the U.S. Congress during a “Congress to Campus” program November 20-21 in Victoria. [more].

12-14 November 08
Ambassador Wilkins in Vancouver
Ambassador David Wilkins visited Vancouver November 12-14 to participate in the Canadian American Business Council conference : New Leadership. New Ideas. Redefining the Canada-US Relationship. While in the city, the Ambassador was interviewed by Fanny Kiefer for her Studio 4 program on Shaw Cable. He also gave brief interviews to 24 Hours and Omni Television on the margins of his participation at the conference. [more].

12 November 08
CKNW interview
The Consul General was interviewed on CKNW, on November 12, 2008. To Listen to the podcast, click here.

05 November 08
Barack Obama Elected 44th President of United States
Barack Obama, unknown to most Americans just four years ago, will become the 44th president and the first African-American president of the United States. Obama, a senator from Illinois, and his running mate Joe Biden will take the oath of office on January 20, 2009. [more] [america.gov blog].

05 November 08
Elections 2008
The election of Barack Obama on November 4th was a huge and exciting news story in Vancouver and throughout Canada and the world. Consul General Phil Chicola and Consulate General staff attended various elections results-watching events throughout the city. Consul General Chicola was interviewed on Global Television before he addressed almost 200 students, professors and members of the public at the University of British Columbia’s Liu Centre for the Study of Global Issues. Chicola spoke about the US’s movement towards what the Founding Fathers envisioned as a «more perfect union.» Chicola had been interviewed earlier in the evening by CBC Television. [more].

5 November 08
Ambassador David Wilkins Congratulatory Remarks on the Election Results.

05 November 08
The Victory and Concession Speeches
To read President Elect - Barack Obama's Victory Speech -
Click Here.
To read Senator John McCain's Concession Speech -
Click Here.

05 November 08
President Bush Discusses Presidential Election
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Last night, I had a warm conversation with President-elect Barack Obama. I congratulated him and Senator Biden on their impressive victory. I told the President-elect he can count on complete cooperation from my administration as he makes the transition to the White House. [more].

05 November 08
Secretary Condoleezza Rice - Remarks on the Outcome of the Elections
SECRETARY RICE: Good morning. I asked Sean if I could open this briefing, and he said yes, that I could do that. I’m getting ready to leave for the Middle East, but I did not want this morning to pass without taking note of the extraordinary election last night. This was an exercise in American democracy, of which Americans across the political spectrum are justifiably proud. [more].

04 November 08
Today, Vote
Today’s US elections are on everybody’s television screens in the US, Canada, throughout the world. In Vancouver there are many elections-related public and private gatherings (The public ones are noted in the elections links on this page). All the dailies have been leading their front pages in recent days with elections stories. CBC French television ran a story yesterday about elections fever in Vancouver which included an interview with PAO Indran Amirthanayagam who pointed out the five-fold increase in requests for absentee ballots by US citizens at the US Consulate General in Vancouver. Radio Canada’s French service ran a similar report last week. the elections are everywhere. US Consul General Phil Chicola will attend various elections events around town today. This is truly a wonderful day to reaffirm our faith in democracy, in manifesting the will of the people.

28 October 08
Supporting Art in Vancouver
Faith Wilding joined several other leading American visual artists in Vancouver October 3 for the inauguration of WACK: Art and the Feminist Revolution. This exhibition that explores the pioneering work of American women artists and their role in political, economic and social debate is the city’s leading visual arts event this Fall. The US Consulate Vancouver supported the participation of Ms. Wilding who reached out to 18 youth from diverse backgrounds in a discussion of the intersection between art, politics and social needs on October 2. Wilding participated also in a panel discussion with other artists and the general public on October 4. See attached photo. [Larger Photo].

21 October 08
Interview with Consul General, Phillip Chicola
Consul General Phillip Chicola discusses US/Canada relations, the economy, elections, Latin America. He is interviewed by Public Affairs Officer Indran Amirthanayagam.
[Listen to Podcast].

Consul General Chicola Interviewed by Metro
Vancouver daily Metro interviewed Consul General Phillip Chicola on October 21. [Read Article].

07 October 08
Consul General Chicola Interviewed by Milenio
Vancouver-based Spanish language weekly Milenio interviewed Consul General Phillip Chicola on October 7 for its October 14 edition. The reporter asked the Consul General for his views on recent developments in Bolivia and Venezuela and the fact that, after Mexico, the United States has now the world’s second largest Spanish speaking population. [Read article].

02-03 October 08
Amin Tarzi Speaks About Afghanistan
Afghan analyst Amin Tarzi directs Middle East Studies at the Marine Corps University. During an October 2-3 visit to Vancouver, he gave a passionate defense for staying the course in Afghanistan in an intense day and a half of meetings with journalists, students, Afghan immigrants and researchers in South Asia. His audiences heard at first hand about Tarzi’s recent trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Tarzi commented that assuaging Pakistan about the disputed border with Afghanistan—by working to eliminate Afghan claims to Pakistani territory-- would be key to future regional stability. He suggested that talk of « winning » the war in Afghanistan is misguided. Rather, we should talk of enabling the Afghan government, army and police to establish order in the country. Tarzi’s visit enabled the Consulate General to make contact with key future opinionmakers, namely the graduate journalism students at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and the University of British Columbia (UBC). It also allowed us to continue conversations with Canadian immigrants, in this case members of Vancouver’s Afghan community. [Slideshow].

26 September 08
Dr. Stephen Blank on North American Integration
Stephen Blank recently spoke on North American Integration at the U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver.

Stephen Blank is Co-Chair of the North American Transportation Competitiveness Research Council. He recently retired as a professor of international business and management at Pace University's Lubin School of Business. Previously, he served as director of the Lubin Center for International Business Development and founded the Pan American Partnership for Business Education, an alliance of four North American business schools. Dr. Blank is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the North American Forum on Integration. He is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Podcast | Biography.

24 September 08
Consulate General Team Joins The TD Canada Trust Greater Canadian Shoreline Cleanup
Public Affairs Officer (PAO) Indran Amirthanayagam organized a group of CG staff to clean a stretch of Second Beach in Vancouver’s Stanley Park on September 24th. The clean-up formed part of a week-long series of cleaning the nation’s shorelines coordinated by the Vancouver Aquarium in alliance with TD Canada Trust. As part of the clean-up, volunteers note the kinds of rubbish they gather. The data is then sent to the Ocean Conservancy headquartered in Washington, D.C. which then compares Canadian statistics with information from other countries. CG Vancouver participated last year as well in this excellent community outreach event. Passersby noted our efforts praising the CG for its participation. [Slideshow].

11 September 08
9/11 Memorial Ride
Emergency service workers, including Police, Fire and Ambulance officers, from the Greater Vancouver area met on 9/11 for the 7th annual Memorial Ride to honor victims of the attacks. They were joined by PAO Indran Amirthanayagam representing the US Consulate General, US Customs and Border Protection officers, and city officials from Langley, Surrey, and Delta, as well as members of the general public. PAO read a poem in honor of the victims; other speakers spoke of the many emergency workers who gave their lives on that day by entering the doomed towers. This 7th annual event moved all who participated as well as members of the general public who got out of their cars to salute the procession as it drove past on the way to the Peace Arch that stands at the US/Canada border. [Slideshow].

06 September 08
Consul General Phillip Chicola Welcomes Latin Vancouver
Consul General Phillip Chicola and Mrs. Chicola hosted participants in Vancouver’s Latin American Film Festival at a reception at the CGR on Saturday September 6th. The event offered the newly arrived Consul General and Consulate General staff an opportunity to meet a cross-section of key friends and contacts in business, film, the arts and the media while celebrating this increasingly popular festival and the contributions of Latin American migrants to the ethnic and cultural mix of Vancouver. More than 50 persons attended the event. [Photo].

20 August 08
Cross border travelers are strongly encouraged to use the Pacific Highway, Lynden or Sumas crossings because the next phase of U.S. border station construction at Peace Arch will close off portions of the I-5 in that area.

Starting August 5, southbound traffic at the Peace Arch crossing will be directed off the I-5 freeway at D Street Exit 276 in Blaine. Flaggers and signage will re-direct travelers to the point where traffic can re-join the I-5.

Beginning August 18, northbound I-5 traffic will be detoured to the east of the existing border station. There will be no northbound access to I-5 from the D Street Exit 276 in Blaine. Those who would ordinarily use the D Street entry to reach the Canadian border on I-5 will be redirected to SR (state route) 543 (truck route) to the Pacific Highway border crossing into Canada.

The traffic re-routing is to allow construction of the new U.S. border station and a bridge which would take traffic over the new border station. Because of the complexity of the project, traffic detouring at Peace Arch will extend to September 2009. [View Photo]

Travelers are urged to check border cameras and wait times on the websites below.

29 July 08
US Coast Guard Ship Docks In Victoria
U.S. Coast Guard Aspen, a versatile buoy tender that also engages in law enforcement operations along the California coast, took a hiatus from its usual patrolling waters to come for training and R & R to the Pacific Northwest. It docked in Victoria on the weekend of July 26th and hosted a tour organized by the US Consulate General in Vancouver. Vancouver Public Affairs Officer Indran Amirthanayagam, who is the coordinator for US ship visits in the region, led a group of 21 guests from British Columbia’s provincial government and other friends on board July 26th. The tour was much appreciated and served to strengthen ties between the US and British Columbia while highlighting the close cooperation between the US and Canadian Coast Guard services. [Slideshow].

22 July 08
Consul General Lewis Lukens presented with award
Consul General Lewis Lukens was presented the Pacific Northwest Economic Region's (PNWER) traditional "hot potato" award July 21 for outstanding contributions to the consortium. The award presentation preceded Premier Campbell's luncheon address at PNWER's 18th annual summit in Vancouver. The PNWER consortium of five U.S. states, three Canadian provinces and Yukon Territory works to advance the region's global competitiveness.
The next PNWER summit will be held in Boise, Idaho, July 12-16, 2009. [More].

22 July 08
Ambassador Wilkins at the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region summit in Vancouver
Ambassador David Wilkins delivered the keynote address at the opening breakfast for The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region 18th Annual Summit held in Vancouver, B.C., July 20-24, 2008. Primary issues at this summit are the border, clean energy, the Asia Pacific gateway, water and tourism. This year Saskatchewan joined the consortium which includes Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Yukon Territory. [More].

08 July 08
July 4 Celebrations - Vancouver
The U.S. Consulate General celebrated July 4th in grand style with more than 400 invited guests from British Columbia, the Yukon and other parts of Canada. Guests included eight of ten Vancouver city councilors, several local mayors, seven MLAs including five BC Ministers, and Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs David Emerson. Emerson spoke about the ties that bind Canada and the U.S. and commented that he was honored to wish the United States a happy birthday during his second official event after assuming his duties as Foreign Minister. BC Minister for Intergovernmental Relations Joan McIntyre echoed Emerson's remarks and stressed the positive role the consulate has played fostering dialogue on cross border issues. Consul General Lewis Lukens thanked the American businesses who helped support the celebration and took the occasion to bid adieu to the many close friends and associates gathered at the residence. [Photo Slideshow].

04 July 08
The many ties that bind Americans and Canadians
Op-ed by Consul General Lewis Lukens in the Vancouver Sun, July 04, 2008 [Read More].

04 July 08
American expats celebrate today
A Newspaper article by Mike Howell, of the Vancouver Courier [Read More].

02 July 08
Presidential Message, Independence Day 2008
GEORGE W. BUSH - I send greetings to all Americans on Independence Day.

More than two centuries ago, bold and courageous visionaries pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor in signing the Declaration of Independence. Guided by ancient and eternal truths, our forefathers proclaimed to the world that liberty was the natural right of all mankind and in doing so began one of the greatest chapters in human history. On the Fourth of July, our country commemorates the great achievements of these heroes and reaffirms its unwavering confidence in the power of freedom.

It was the desire for freedom that inspired our Founding Fathers, and it is the belief in the universality of freedom that guides our Nation. On this occasion, we pay special tribute to the men and women of our Armed Forces, both past and present, who have answered freedom's call and defended the values that make America the greatest country on earth.

May God bless America.

27 June 08
Holiday travel tips from US Customs and Border Protection
For Canada Day/Fourth of July travellers, U.S. Customs and Border Protection gives the following tips on how to cross the border most efficiently and without incident...[Read More]

25 June 08
Professor L. Sandy Maisel's talk at the U.S. Consulate, Vancouver
Professor Sandy Maisel outlined why the 2008 U.S. presidential election holds such fascination for world as well as U.S. domestic audiences when he spoke in Vancouver as a guest of the U.S. Consulate General Vancouver.
Professor Maisel is the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Government, chair of the Government Department at Colby College in Maine, and director of the Colby in Washington Program.[Read More] [Biography]

20 June 08
Wildlife Trafficking Needs to be Stopped
Op-ed by Consul General Lewis Lukens in the Vancouver Sun, June 12, 2008 [Read More].

18 June 08
The Poetry of Diplomacy
"Indran Amirthanayagam makes an unlikely point man for a nation at war” - Profile of Public Affairs Officer Indran Amirthanayagam in Monday Magazine [Read More].

17 June 08
Against Counterfeiting
Consul General Lewis Lukens gave opening remarks at an anti-counterfeiting conference hosted by the Vancouver Police Department and the law firm of Kestenberg Siegal Lipkus in Vancouver June 17. He addressed the importance of intellectual property rights protection, as an economic and a life and safety issue. CG Lukens commended the recent introduction of Bill C-61 in Canada’s Parliament and urged Canada to swiftly ratify and implement the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Internet Treaties, as the rest of the G-8 countries have done.

17 June 08
Speaking To Young Canadians
Vice Consul Tom Schmidt spoke on June 3rd about his day to day activities as a US diplomat before two 7th grade classes at St. Francis Xavier Middle School in Vancouver. Part of the seventh grade curriculum includes teaching students about different careers by inviting professionals to speak as part of the school's Personal Planning Career Preparation program. The two classes--each with 24 students--enjoyed Schmidt's talk and asked several questions about the diplomatic career and what it would entail if one day they chose to sign up. [photo]

16 June 08
PAO Indran Amirthanayagam Speaks about BC-US Relations
PAO Indran Amirthanayagam engaged 22 students of a British Columbia politics class at the University of Victoria June 10 in an absorbing conversation about regional, national and international politics. He spoke about practicing diplomacy away from the host country's capital, BC's relations with the state of Washington and broadly with the United States, and the goal of public diplomacy, to explain US government policies, and trends in US society and culture, to Canadian audiences. The students were third and fourth year undergraduates.

11 June 08
Notices for the Boating Community
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Announces 2008 Reporting Requirements For Private Boat Operators In Puget Sound, Washington [read more: pdf / html] [View Map].

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Announces Lake Osoyoos 2008 Pleasure Boat Clearance Procedures [read more: pdf / html] [View Map].

5 June 08
Reaching out to New Canadians
Vancouver PAO Indran Amirthanayagam spoke about the US election process to 15 students of an English language class at Vancouver's Century College on June 5. He discussed the candidates, the electoral college, and reflected on the role of a citizen in a democracy. The students were Canadian landed immigrants from Thailand and South Korea, the teacher an American based in Pt. Roberts who has a family member pursuing a degree at UBC.

Amirthanayagam engaged the students in a 90 minute conversation that was well received. Both speaker and students enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on the leading and positive US story of the day: the race begun between Barack Obama and John McCain.

29 May 08
My visit to Northern B.C. - Ambassador's Journal
From May 18 - 21, I had an exciting and very full trip traveling to Northern British Columbia. I had the chance to visit communities such as Prince George, Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, and Fort St. John that are not often seen by U.S. Ambassadors. I have to say that I particularly enjoy such visits. I received truly warm and gracious welcomes at every stop on this four-city tour and greatly appreciated the chance to speak to folks from the heartland of Canada. My wife, Susan, and Vancouver’s U.S. Consul General, Lewis Lukens, accompanied me on the trip, as did Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) Jay Hill, who had invited us to visit his riding. [More]

14 May 08
Peace Arch Construction Project : What Travelers Can Expect at the Border and When
Vancouver, B.C. May 14 - Representatives from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) gave a press briefing at U.S. Consulate General Vancouver on construction at the Peace Arch Border Station and how this will be impacting travelers.

The U.S. General Services Agency is tasked with the design and construction of the new Peace Arch port facility. The project will replace an outdated facility with one designed to improve the safety and security of both the traveling public and the officers at the port. [More] [Layout/Map Detail]

13 April 08
Remarks by Ambassador David H. Wilkins at the Global Futures Forum in Vancouver, B.C. April 13, 2008.

13 - 15 March 08
North American Issues Conference.
Consul General Lewis Lukens was the keynote luncheon speaker at the conference on North American Issues : Designing Institutions, Choosing Policies , held at University of British Columbia. The March 13-15, 2008 event was presented by The Network on North American Studies in Canada and the United States Studies Program at UBC. [Read More].

11 - 13 March 08
Ambassador Wilkins visits Kelowna and Vancouver March 11 - 13.
Ambassador David Wilkins spent two days in British Columbia. He addressed the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce on March 12. The following day he visited Canadian troops and Afghanistan veterans at Jericho Barracks in Vancouver. After attending a roundtable discussion on the border and trade hosted by the Canadian American Business Council he delivered the keynote address at the CABC luncheon.

In the afternoon the Ambassador toured the GLOBE 2008 Conference and Trade Fair at Canada Place. Ambassador Wilkins visited booths in the U.S. pavillion, hearing about the latest technologies in alternative energy, maintaining air and water quality, green construction and urban environmental management. [View the Slideshow]

6 March 08
U.S. Embassy Ottawa Public Affairs Officer Engages University of British Columbia Students on South Asia
During a March 6 presentation to a University of British Columbia class on South Asian politics U.S. Embassy Ottawa PAO Linda Cheatham talked with the students about life and work at the U.S. Embassies in Kabul and Islamabad, as well as the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai, since September 11, 2001. [Read More].

4 March 08
USTR Disappointed with Mixed Tribunal Decision on Softwood Lumber. Statement from the United States Representative.

21 February 08
Consul General Lewis Lukens moderated a panel discussion on cross border travel at the International Mobility and Trade Corridor Project 2008 Annual General Assembly Meeting, in Bellingham, Washington. The panel, which included representatives from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Canadian Border Services Agency, focused on trusted travel programs, especially NEXUS, and on new documentary requirements at the border. More information on the meeting can be found at www.wcog.org/imtc.

10 February 08
TALK ABOUT THE U.S. AND CANADA
Consul General Lewis Lukens addressed 30 students of a Canadian-American Relations class at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby on February 10, 2008. After speaking on the role of the US Consulate in Vancouver, the wide range of issues the Consulate covers, and his reflections after being in Vancouver for three years, the students enthusiastically questioned the Consul General. Topics of interest covered Iraq, the Canada-US border, drug smuggling, security and prosperity, and Canadian trade with the US. Jim Dandridge from the State Department’s Office of the Inspector General and Political Science/Economic Intern Brianne Coffey accompanied the Consul General.

07 February 08
Consul General Vancouver officer shares development expertise
On February 7, Management Officer Robbie Marks joined a panel of academics and development professionals for a talk to fifty interested UBC students on “Applying a Critical Lens to Local and International Development.” Drawing on his experience working on development issues for the US Embassy in Burundi as well as his grass-roots experience as a Peace Corps volunteer in Eritrea, Robbie gave a talk on how to tailor development projects to the needs of local communities and ensure their sustainability. Having worked in humanitarian relief both for the United Nations and non-governmental organizations, Robbie also answered questions from students on how they could get involved in assisting communities in the developing world.

16 January 08
Consul General Lukens addressed the Greater Nanaimo Chambers of Commerce Annual Membership Luncheon. On this, his third visit to Nanaimo, he discussed US-Canada relations with a focus on new border documentary requirements. He also discussed Canada’s important role in Afghanistan and described the importance of the huge US-Canada trade relationship.

15 January 08
Consul General Lukens spoke at the Border Regions in Transition Conference, in Bellingham. The conference began with two days of sessions at the University of Victoria and ended with two days at Western Washington University's Bellingham campus. More than 100 scholars from Mexico and Europe, as well as Canada and the United States, attended. Lukens spoke about specific examples of local communities and cross border regions in helping to shape national policies as they relate to border management.

9 January 08
Cross-border shoppers are likely to see a new US$5 bill when the bank note starts circulating March 13.
The bill will have a new purple tint around President Abraham Lincoln. A big numeral “5” is on the back, not so much a counterfeiting deterrent as an aide for the visually impaired.
The many new security features being added to the $5 bill are fully described on the U.S. Department of the Treasury website.
Gregory Almaraz, Resident Agent in Charge of the Secret Service office at U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver, says he and his staff are available to brief merchant and banking groups on the new currency and how to detect counterfeit US currency. Please direct any inquiries to pavancouver@state.gov.

May 2008: Making Partnerships - Working with the Pacific Northwest Economic Region One of the greatest rewards of serving as US Consul General is the opportunity to form partnerships with so many government offices and non-governmental organizations. We can only do our job well of representing the United States in Western Canada if we work in collaboration with concerned citizens and groups on both sides of the border[More].

3 December 07
Travelers Reminded of new Document Requirements Beginning January 31, 2008: Documents Proving Citizenship and Identity Will be Required When Entering The United States Through Land and Sea Ports of Entry. [DHS press release]

27 November 2007

CS Vancouver, with the assistance of Consul General Lukens, recognized retiring BC Business Council CEO, Mr. Jerry Lampert, for his 15 years of support of Commercial Service and U.S. Consulate General programs. Mr. Lampert has worked with the US Commercial Service in Vancouver on several events, such as the recent Pacific Economic Summit with Governor Schwarzenegger, to promote two way trade in the Pacific Northwest.

15 November 2007
Consulate General visa officers spoke to students at the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University about student visas and studying in the U.S. A four-booklet series under the title "If you Want to Study in the United States" is available on the Internet.

23 October 2007
Former Chief Gail Sparrow of the Musqueam First Nations presented Consul General Lewis Lukens a talking stick, on October 23rd, as an official welcome to the Musqueam Territory. The United States Consulate General usually acknowledges the Musqueam at its annual July 4 celebration.

17 October 2007
CG speaks to Burnaby Rotary Clubs -- On October 17 CG Lukens spoke to a combined meeting of the Rotary Club of Burnaby, the Rotary Club of Burnaby Deer Lake, and the Rotary Club of Burnaby Metrotown. He explained the role the US Consulate General plays in Western Canada, discussed cross border trade and law enforcement issues, and explained post 9/11 security changes at the border. He entertained questions on a variety of topics, including no-fly lists and agricultural restrictions, and he urged all frequent travelers to apply for NEXUS cards.

18 September 2007
Consulate General Joins TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup -- Consul General Lewis Lukens and staff from the US Consulate General cleaned Waterfront Park on Vancouver's North Shore September 18 as part of this Canada-wide clean-up effort that expects to draw more than 50,000 volunteers. Other Consulates in Vancouver joined us on a crisp and beautiful day. We were struck by the great numbers of cigarette butts and food wrappers resting among the rocks and in the grassy areas of the park. Passers-by were curious about the effort and some joined us in the cleaning. A smoker, who had just thrown out a butt before spotting one of the volunteers, commented that she felt guilty about what she had just done and would make an effort to change her behavior in the future. This effort forms part of a series of Consulate General programs focused on environmental cooperation between Canada and the United States.

11 September 2007
September 11 in Vancouver -- CG Lukens and his British counterpart co-hosted a reception for the Sir Winston Churchill Society Annual Conference. In his remarks Lukens said “It is entirely coincidental yet appropriate that we gather on 9/11, for a joint US/UK Allied Reception, to honor the man who did so much to shape the history of the 20th century. Just as we spent much of that century engaged in struggles to prevent the spread of tyranny, we now find ourselves again fighting those who would restrict or destroy the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. And again, the US, UK, and Canada are working closely together, side by side in places like Afghanistan, to preserve our freedoms and spread democracy.”

27 July 2007
Change of Command Ceremony
The Consul General attended the Change of Command Ceremony for Maritime Forces Pacific at Esquimalt, Vancouver Island, at which Rear Admiral Tyrone Pile took command from Rear Admiral Roger Girouard.

24 July 2007
Teleconference with Ambassador Wilkins
In Whitehorse, Yukon, Vice Consul Thomas Schmidt hosted a teleconference between Ambassador Wilkins and leaders from Canadian/US arctic communities. Nine local community and native leaders participated, including representatives from the Yukon Chamber of Commerce, Whitehorse Aboriginal Women’s Circle, The Arctic Athabaskan Council, Dana Naye Ventures, The Cold Climate Innovation Centre, and The Yukon Conservation Society.

Topics discussed during the teleconference include community development, transportation of goods between the US and Canada, health issues in native communities, preservation of shared food sources, and issues affecting Aboriginal women. Feedback on the conference was very positive. All participants expressed a desire for similar discussions in the future.

During his five-day trip to the Yukon, the Vice Consul also conducted American Citizen Services outreach visits in Whitehorse and Dawson City. He met with several families in these communities, assisting with reports of birth abroad, claims to US citizenship, and passport renewals.

20 - 25 July 2007
Pacific Northwest Economic Region
Consul General Lukens attended the annual Summit meeting of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) in Anchorage, Alaska. During the conference he met with several BC and Yukon ministers and MLAs, as well as attendees from the private sector. Mr. Lukens addressed a panel on border issues. Ambassador David Wilkins traveled from Ottawa to deliver a keynote speech on US-Canadian relations.

4 July 2007
A Fine Party on July 4th
A federal minister joined provincial and city leaders as well as key players in industry, the arts, sports, and the media in what local newspapers described as an excellent party July 4th,.2007. Consul General Lewis Lukens and Lucy Lukens hosted more than 300 guests on the first hot day of Vancouver’s summer.

25 June 2007
CG Visits Nanaimo
Consul General Lukens visited Nanaimo June 18. The Nanaimo Economic Development Office and Nanaimo Port Authority organized a tour of Nanaimo Harbor, followed by a visit of the construction site of the future Port of Nanaimo Center. Mr. Lukens met with local media representatives and had lunch with representatives from local government, First Nations, and businesses. Finally, he visited VMAC, a Nanaimo-based business that engages in cross-border trade.

3 May 07
Kiwanis
Consul General Lukens spoke at the annual US-Canada Goodwill Luncheon in Vancouver, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Vancouver. He thanked the organization for its service orientation and highlighted the many close personal and professional ties between the US and Canada.

6 May 07
Vancouver Marathon
Consul General Lukens ran in the Vancouver Marathon, Commercial Specialist Cheryl Schell walked the Half Marathon, and Consular Section visa clerk Natalie Melnyk ran the Half Marathon.

8 May 07
Mayor of Atlanta
Consul General Lukens joined Mayor Shirley Franklin of Atlanta, GA, at a lunch hosted by Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan. Lunch was followed by a tour of the Southeast False Creek and Olympic Village Site and a presentation highlighting Vancouver’s sustainability projects.

9 May 07
Surrey Board of Trade
CG Lukens spoke to the Surrey Board of Trade, outlining several bilateral policy areas, including border security, law enforcement cooperation, and protection of intellectual property rights, which affect cross border business.

24-27 April 07
Presentations by essayist and television commentator Richard Rodriguez
PA Vancouver inaugurated an occasional series of reflections on American identity by presenting leading essayist and television commentator Richard Rodriguez before a range of enthusiastic audiences in Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria April 23-27. Rodriguez engaged his Canadian audiences with gentle and ironic remarks about multiculturalism--"invented by Pierre Trudeau"--and spoke movingly about his own rebellion against the push to call him a minority. Rodriguez spoke about the browning of America and suggested that after 9/11 America has finally started to look South and North and move away from its historic East-West orientation. Rodriguez also spoke about the origins of racial classifications and the probability that "by 2020 we will be far too mixed and the classifications will be dropped entirely."

His remarks stoked passionate and friendly debate before all his audiences including a group of editors, academics and artists invited by the CG for an absorbing round table discussion over lunch at the CGR April 25 and in a DVC April 26 with similar contacts in Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa. Rodriguez had tremendous media play, including an article detailing his visit in the Vancouver Sun, radio appearances on a major talk show, with Bill Goode, and a conversation on CBC. He also taped a half program for later broadcast on the Biography Channel. Rodriguez's success was noted by many excited contacts, some of whom followed him from event to event. Rodriguez's gentle barbs were accompanied by a generous willingness to listen and learn from his audiences. Post has received a number of congratulatory calls and emails. His visit has generated interest in return trips to Toronto and Vancouver.

PA Vancouver will continue the series in May with the visit of Filipino American journalist and writer Luis Francia who will speak on "Too Asian to be American, too American to be Asian" as part of Asian Heritage month celebrations.

16-18 April 07
CG visits Victoria
Consul General Lukens participated in meetings in Victoria with the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (www.pnwer.org), discussing border security, labor mobility, and cross border environmental collaboration. While in Victoria he also met with Ministers of Tourism, Transportation, and Intergovernmental Relations, and visited the Titanic exhibit at the Royal BC Museum.

27 March 07
Consulate Blood Drive
Consul General Lukens and a dozen staff from the Consulate visited Canada Blood Services to donate blood. The good neighborly gesture was noted in a column in the Vancouver Sun.

26 March 07
Vancouver PAO discussed WHTI, trusted traveler programs, the President's recent trip to Latin America and US engagement in the War on Terror in remarks at a day-long conference March 23 on "Terrorism, Trade and the Threat to Prosperity: Adapting North American Security and Border Relations to Terrorist Threats." Held at leading Canadian university Simon Fraser, the conference brought together policymakers, researchers, social scientists and students in an absorbing analysis of security post 9/11. About 40 audience members heard the PAO note that international student admissions in the US are almost back at pre-9/11 levels and that the US is engaged with Canada and Mexico under SPP.

21 March 07
Closing Ceremony, Totems to Turquoise
Consul General Lukens and Consulate Public Affairs staff attended the closing ceremony of the Vancouver Museum’s Totems to Turquoise Exhibit. The exhibit, a showing of Native Pacific Northwest and American Southwest jewelry which the US Consulate helped organize, enjoyed a very successful six month stay in Vancouver.

14 March 07
Audiences in British Columbia, Yukon Territory and Alberta participated in a "Webinar" March 14, 2007 with Zuni artist and jeweler Veronica Poblano who spoke from the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico.

12 March 07
General Karl Eikenberry Visit
US General Karl Eikenberry, who recently completed his tour as Commander, NATO Forces in Afghanistan, spent a day in Vancouver. The US Consulate and Asia Pacific Foundation organized a symposium on Afghanistan and co-hosted a reception at the Consul General’s residence for key local academics and military officials.

5 March 07
CG addresses Sir Winston Churchill Society
Consul General Lewis Lukens addressed the Sir Winston Churchill Society of BC. His talk, “US Foreign Policy – An Insider’s View,” provoked wide ranging questions and discussion on US foreign policy in the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia.

27 February 07
Britannia Public Library in Vancouver organized a program February 27 about the famous Gee’s Bend quilters from Gee’s Bend, Alabama. The quilts from Gee’s Bend have been described as abstract art and have attracted crowds at the Whitney Museum in New York, the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. and other museums throughout the U.S. More...

Consul General in the Community, February 2007

28 February 07
Consul General Lukens spoke to the Evergreen Kiwanis Club of North Vancouver. He addressed border security issues and US-Canadian trade, and answered questions on topics ranging from the war in Iraq to US-Canadian law enforcement cooperation.

28 February 07
In collaboration with the Vancouver Biennale, the CG hosted a reception February 28 for artists, benefactors and media during the Biennale's week long series of closing celebrations. CG Vancouver also co-sponsored a series of lectures by five American sculptors whose work has been featured in this show that focuses on placing sculptures in public spaces.

22 February 07
Consul General Lewis Lukens Speaks in Victoria
CG Lukens traveled to Victoria to meet with reporters at the Victoria Times Colonist and give a luncheon speech to the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. His speech, titled "U.S.-Canada: The Successes and Challenges", focused on new border security requirements and drew attention to the unparalleled trade relationship between our two nations.

13 February 07
Congul General Lukens welcomed Washington State wine merchants to Vancouver for a wine tasting. Media and merchants/restaurant owners sampled some of Washington state’s excellent wines at the Listel Hotel.

8 February 07
Consul General Lukens spoke to the Fraser Valley Executives Association on US-Canada relations. February 15 he spoke at a conference sponsored by Western Washington University’s Border Policy Research Institute, on “Fostering Mobility at the BC/WA Border.”

5 February 07
The Consul General visited the Justice Institute of British Columbia, where he met key administrators, toured the campus, and discussed possible areas of cross border law enforcement and emergency preparedness cooperation.

Black History Month 2007

23 February 07
World Poetry, a multinational, multicultural association of poets and writers, has been inviting students, poets, Vancouverites from all walks of life to contribute poems about peace to be read at a gala event at the Vancouver Public Library on February 23. As part of a month long series of events at the library, World Poetry organizes a poetry table every afternoon where volunteers and library users meet to talk about poetry, home, immigration in this city full of migrants from all over the world.

16 February 07
Vancouver PAO Indran Amirthanayagam has been invited to read a poem about peace on the 23rd and also meet Vancouverites at the poetry table on February 16. The gala event will honor various local poets and make a special homage to Afro American and Canadian writers to mark Black History Month.

Black Ink - A Travelling Exhibit
As part of Black History Month, the United States Consulate General is proud to be a sponsor for Black Ink, a collection of Black literature in Canada that celebrates the strong ties and the development of Black communities from Africa and the Caribbean. The exhibit highlights the enduring and strong oral history of Black communities. Colonialism, discrimination and the recognition of civil rights and human rights are underlying themes explored throughout the works in this exhibit.
Here are the dates and locations where the exhibit will be showcased:
January 28 to February 2, 2007 - Vancouver Public Library, Alice McKay Room
350 West Georgia St.
February 3 to February 7, 2007 - Vancouver Island Regional Library
90 Commercial Street

4 February 07
Vancouver International Story telling Festival
The Public Affairs Department of the U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver was pleased to contribute to the 15th Vancouver International Storytelling Festival, February 2 to 4, and the appearance of Los Angeles storyteller Michael D. McCarty. More....

January 07
Consul General Lukens continued his community outreach with speeches to the Rotary Clubs of Whistler on January 19 and Langley on January 25. Deputy Consul General Scandola addressed the Rotary Club of Port Moody on January 10. Both discussed new passport requirements, the role of the US Consulate in US-Canadian relations, and trade issues.

31 January 07
CG Lukens traveled to Kamloops January 30-31, Venture Kamloops staff organized visits to local companies, a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce Executive Board, and a tour of the new Hillside Stadium. Mr. Lukens spoke to approximately 100 students and faculty at Thompson Rivers University on “The Successes and Challenges of the US-Canadian Relationship.” On the 31st the Consul General visited Sun Peaks Resort and learned about its long term development plans.

28 January 07
In support of the Totems to Turquoise exhibit currently being shown at the Vancouver Museum until March 25, the Public Affairs section of the U.S. Consulate Vancouver sponsored a visit and workshops by Hopi artist Steve Wikviya LaRance. Mr. LaRance visited both B.C. and Yukon January 25-28, 2007. Read about his visit...

10 January 07
Joni Scandola, deputy principal officer, addressed the Port Moody Rotary Club on US/Canada relations She answered questions regarding the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, upcoming passport requirements needed for air travel, PASS card.

8 January 07
Bradford Johnson, consular chief at Consulate General Vancouver, chatted live with Global Television Morning News hosts Lynn Colliar and Steve Darling about the upcoming WHTI passport regs for air travellers, mentioning among other things that travellers touching down at U.S. airports en route to other destinations, and infants and children, all need passports.

MULTICULTURALISM IN CANADA
CBC RADIO DISCUSSION
Vancouver PAO Indran Amirthanayagam participated December 7 in a Radio Canada Spanish language service discussion on multiculturalism in Canada. The program featured guests from a range of immigrant communities, including new Canadians from Iranian, Indian, Brazilian as well as Mexican backgrounds. The show combined music, on the street interviews with immigrants, and a studio discussion. The latter covered problems of assimilation, both direct and disguised prejudice, and debated Canadian ideas about multiculturalism and state support for assimilating new immigrants and supporting their cultural traditions.

BOOK PRESENTATION BY CHILEAN-CANADIAN WRITER
PAO Indran Amirthanayagam was invited to participate in the presentation of a book by a local Chilean-Canadian writer December 7 at Vancouver's Public Library. Before an audience of 45 writers, diplomats, and teachers Amirthanayagam praised the writer's role in promoting inter-cultural awareness through his weekly radio program celebrating world poetry. At the event, PAO met a professor of ESL at Vancouver Community College. PAO suggested that a CG officer speak to her students. The event will take place later in December.

On November 27-30, Minister Counselor for Public Affairs Patrick J. Linehan visited Vancouver. He met editors and reporters from the principal English-language and Chinese language press; discussed First Nations issues at the University of British Columbia's First Nations House of Learning, and spoke to political science students about WHTI, border security, US/Canada trade and the recent US elections.

On November 9, Public Affairs Officer Indran Amirthanayagam spoke before 250 students at the University of British Columbia International Relations Students Association Career Fair. He discussed bilateral issues and the pleasures and challenges of a career in diplomacy.

The US Consulate General Vancouver collaborated with the University of British Columbia in supporting Professor Adam Gussow's lectures on William Faulkner and the blues (along with Gussow playing mouth organ) at the University of British Columbia October 26 and 27.

The US Consulate General also assisted by providing a letter to help an American poet enter Canada to participate in the Vancouver International Writers Festival Oct. 17-22.

Senior USG Officials Visit Vancouver
On October 19 Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Ambassador Maura Harty briefed Canadian press on WHTI and other consular issues at the US Consulate General Vancouver. Ambassador Harty was accompanied by Consul General Lewis Lukens and other USG officials. Questions focused on implementation dates and concerns about how WHTI may affect tourism in Canada, especially on cruise ships, a major source of revenue for Vancouver. Major regional media covered the press conference.

On October 26 and 27, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Canada and Mexico Betsy Whitaker and US Consul General Lewis Lukens spoke at various panels of the Asia Pacific Summit 2006: North America Meets Global Asia. While in Vancouver, Whitaker met with the editorial board of the Vancouver Sun October 26, generating coverage on WHTI and other issues in US/Canada relations.

On October 12, CG Lukens and MP Russ Hiebert spoke at the White Rock Chamber of Commerce, on the Successes and Challenges of the US-Canada Relationship. Remarks and questions focused on the United States new passport requirements.

On October 5 the Consul General and Mrs. Lukens, along with Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Saxton, Sr., hosted the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon at their residence. Guests heard from Dr. Max Cynader, who explained his team’s groundbreaking brain research at UBC’s Brain Research Centre.
Pictured are (l to r) Joni Scandola, Deputy Consul General; Andrew E. Saxton Sr., Past Board Chair for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. & Yukon; Bobbe Wood, President and CEO of Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon; and Andrew Saxton, Jr., Board Member.

Read the Ambassador's journal about his recent trip to Vancouver and Fort St. John in September 2006.

CG in the community

The Consul General spoke to the Rotary Clubs of Mission and Mission Midday (August 22), White Rock (September 6), Langley (September 6), and Chilliwack Fraser (September 13). He explained the US Consulate’s role and priorities, talked about upcoming U.S. passport requirements, and answered questions from members about US policies and his work in Canada.

"Totems to Turquoise," an exhibit of 500 pieces of stunning jewelry by U.S. Native artists from the U.S. Southwest and First Nations artists from western Canada, is on display until March 25, 2007 at the Vancouver Museum. "The exhibit is fantastic," said Consul General Lewis Lukens who attended the October 23rd grand opening.
The U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver will be sponsoring a speaking tour this winter of one of the Totems to Turquoise artists. More details and dates will be announced in the near future.
This exhibit was initially organized by the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
Learn about the exhibit.

The Consul General attended the opening of Simon Fraser University’s new Surrey Campus September 8. Simon Fraser University Surrey offers degree programs in interactive arts and technology, computing science, arts and social sciences, education, business administration and science.

On 9/11, the Consul General gave opening remarks at a special reading of Anne Nelson's The Guys at the Vancouver Playhouse Theater. The two-person play came from Nelson's experience helping a New York fire captain prepare eulogies for the men in his command who died on 9/11.

On July 11 Consul General Lukens spoke at the opening of “Fuel Cells for Field Military Operations Workshop” at the National Research Council Canada institute for Fuel Cell Innovation. He stressed the importance of joint U.S.-Canadian research into alternate and renewable energy sources, and the potential for civilian uses of military applications.

Also on July 11 the Consul General spoke to the Rotary Club of Meadow Ridge, explaining the role of the US Consulate, discussing the US-Canadian relationship, and answering questions.

On July 2 Consul General Lukens attended the opening ceremony of the 2006 Canada Cup International Women's Fastball Tournament.

On June 23 Consul General Lukens attended the opening ceremony of the 2006 Canada Cup Wheelchair Rugby Tournament. The sport, which was developed in Canada, is the only full contact sport for athletes with disabilities. The U.S. team won the tournament, beating New Zealand in the finals.

On June 28 Consul General Lukens spoke at the Hazelmere Gold Club in Surrey to the Cascadia Mayor’s Association, a gathering of mayors from Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. He discussed the importance of US-Canadian trade to local communities in the Cascadia Region, and the importance of regional, sub-national organizations like the Cascadia Mayors in promoting cross-border dialogue.

B.C. Naval Officer Receives Legion of Merit
Consul General Lewis Lukens offers congratulations to Capt. Richard Harrison, assistant chief of staff transformation at Maritime Forces Pacific Headquarters and Joint Task Force (Pacific) Headquarters, Victoria, B.C., for receiving the Legion of Merit (Degree of Legionnaire). This award was bestowed to Capt. Harrison by President George W. Bush for exceptionally meritorious service as Homeland Security/Homeland Defense Officer, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet from July 2002 to July 2005. The United States and Canadian governments concurred on the granting of this award. 16 May 2006. More

Consul General Outreach in June
The Consul General visited with several local area Rotary Clubs in June, including the Rotary Clubs of Surrey Guilford, Cloverdale, and Port Coquitlam Centennial. He discussed US-Canadian relations, explained proposed new passport requirements, and answered questions on areas of interest. On June 17 he represented the US Government at a Habitat for Humanity event at the Burnaby build site.

Political will on the parts of both the U.S. and Canada resulted in an agreement on softwood lumber, Consul General Lewis Lukens told some 400 attendees of the PriceWaterhouseCoopers 19th annual Global Forest and Paper Industry Conference May 11.

He cited reports from U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Wilkins that meetings in March between President Bush and Prime Minister Harper in Cancun, Mexico, were "very frank and focused and gave both leaders a chance to get to know each other."

The softwood agreement "happened because both sides found the political will to make a deal. I think what softwood shows is that leadership matters," the consul general said.

"In early April Ambassador Wilkins went on television following the Cancun meetings and made some pretty confident statements about the will to resolve the issue of softwood lumber. The interviewer tried to pin him down on a time frame. Before June? Within a year? Even he in his confidence wouldn't have predicted within one month.

"This is a fair agreement that will end years of litigation, acrimony and market unpredictability," Lukens said.

Consul General Community Visits in May
On May 4, Consul General Lukens spoke at the Kiwanis Club annual US-Canadian Goodwill Lunch. He discussed the importance of civic organizations like the Kiwanis in spreading civil society internationally and in strengthening US-Canadian cross border relations. Later that day, Consul General Lukens met with members of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Society in Surrey. After touring the temple - Canada's largest - he spoke to congregants about the common bonds of democracy and cultural pluralism that bind India, Canada, and the United States. 4 May 2006.

Consul General Lewis Lukens spoke at the opening ceremony of the Canadian launch of North American Occupational Safety and Health Week. In his remarks he praised the event's focus on trilateral cooperation in the context of NAFTA, and challenged participants to apply the event's theme, "Review, Refresh, and Revitalize," to the broader US-Canadian relationship. 1 May 2006.

Rotary Club of Semiahmoo
Consul General Lewis Lukens shared the podium with Russ Hiebert Conservative MP (South Surrey, White Rock, Cloverdale) at the Rotary Club of Semiahmoo in White Rock to discuss the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, the new passport requirement which applies starting December 31, 2006 to U.S. air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda and at land crossings starting December 31, 2007. Lukens outlined US Government plans to implement the law, and addressed concerns from local residents. 13 April 2006.

Globe 2006
Consul General Lewis Lukens and Commercial Specialist Cheryl Schell visit 2006 Globe, Canada's premier environmental exhibition and convention. With visiting delegates from Vermont State are (from left), Tom Rainey, President, Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies, University of Vermont; Michael Quinn, Commissioner, State of Vermont, Dept of Economic Development; Mr. Lukens; Ms. Schell; and Brian Dubie, Lieutenant Governor, State of Vermont. 29 March 2006.

Ambassador in BC Capital
U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins made his first official visit to Victoria. While in BC's capital, he paid courtesy calls on BC Lt. Governor Iona Campagnolo, MARPAC Commander Rear Admiral Roger Girouard, and BC Minister of Forests Rich Coleman. Additional activities included a dinner hosted by the University of Victoria, a tour of forest seedling producer Cellfor and a lunchtime speech organized by the Victoria branch of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs.

At an additional gathering, Ambassador Wilkins also honored the actions of several Victoria area firefighters and police officers. These emergency response personnel all traveled to Mississippi earlier this year at their own expense to help rebuild the homes of local firefighters and police who lost their homes during Hurricane Katrina. 14-15 March 2006.

Alaska Fur & Ice 2006
The state of Alaska held its second annual Fur & Ice event in Fairbanks, AK. International dignitaries, including representatives from Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, and Russia, participated in the event's fur fashion show and attended the ice carving exhibition. Deputy Consul General Joni Scandola represented the Consulate at the event and helped greet the international visitors. She also took the opportunity to meet with Alaskan Governor Frank Murkowski to discuss the proposed Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline, parts of which would pass through the Yukon and BC. 11 March 2006.

Vancouver International Film Festival for Youth
Reel to Real held its annual International Film Festival for Youth in Vancouver. The Consulate was a co-sponsor of the event, bringing the films "Selling Democracy: Films of the Marshall Plan, 1948-1953" for viewing at the festival as well as sponsoring "Selling Democracy" curator Sandra Schulberg to speak to audiences on the films. 28 February - 9 March 2006.

BC Trucking Association
CG Lukens spoke to members of the BC Trucking Association on the need to balance border security with accessibility for legitimate travel and trade. He addressed the importance of the Security and Prosperity Partnership in striking this balance, and entertained questions from industry representatives on several ongoing initiatives which will ease commerce between the US and Canada. 28 February 2006.

U.S. Embassy's Second-in-Charge in Vancouver
U.S. Embassy Ottawa Deputy Chief of Mission John Dickson visited Vancouver to witness firsthand British Columbia’s economic boom and its focus on Asian trade. Mr. Dickson addressed a cross border forum on softwood lumber hosted by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. He also participated in a panel discussion on cross-border regions organized by the Policy Research Initiative. Additional events during his trip included a tour of the Port of Vancouver, a visit to The National Research Council of Canada's Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation, and a joint meeting with BC Minister of Economic Development Colin Hansen and members of the U.S. Consulate's NAFTA Working Group. 15-17 February 2006.

Trafficking in Persons Report Info Session
Representatives from BC-based NGOs, law enforcement agencies, academic institutions and government offices all gathered at the Consulate for a discussion on the U.S. Department of State's annual Trafficking in Persons Report. Lisa Wishman, Human Rights Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, explained the process behind drafting the annual report and learned from attendees about BC-based efforts to address Canada's human trafficking problem. The 2006 TIP Report is scheduled for release in June 2006. 8 February 2006.

"Expand to the USA" Seminar
CG Lukens welcomed attendees at the Council of American States in Canada's "Expand to the USA" seminar in Vancouver. The Council of American States helps provide strategic advice and planning for investment and business development in US states. The CG discussed the importance and size of the US-Canadian trade relationship and the challenges of balancing security and market access. 8 February 2006.

Pacific Northwest Canadian Studies Consortium
Deputy CG Joni Scandola addressed delegates in Vancouver at the annual gathering of the Pacific Northwest Canadian Studies Consortium. She explained the role of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Canada in facilitating our bilateral relationship and emphasized the important role that non-diplomatic stakeholders such as universities also play. The PNWCSC is an organization of American and Canadian universities that support Canadian studies programs. The U.S.-Canadian relationship is an integral part of these programs. 3 February 2006.

Public Viewing of Rosa Parks Film
The Consulate's Public Affairs section organized a viewing of the 2002 HBO documentary, "Mighty Times: The Legacy of Rosa Parks" at the Vancouver Public Library. The film tells the inspiring story of how the peaceful actions of one person, Ms. Rosa Parks, launched the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. The film is available on loan from the Consulate for use by local schools and organizations for additional viewings and events. 31 January 2006.

CG Meets With Governor Gregoire
CG Lukens traveled to Olympia, WA, to meet with Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire and Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen. At the meeting, they were joined by BC Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations John van Dongen, CG Jeffrey Parker of the Canadian Consulate General in Seattle, and Matt Morrison, president of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region. The group discussed the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, regional economic challenges and opportunities, and the 2010 Vancouver Olympic games. 23 January 2006.

UBC Boathouse Site Visit
CG Lukens visited the construction site of UBC's new boathouse – seen here with senior project manager Iain Sinclair of Kindred Construction, Mac McCallum from International Marine Floatation Systems, and George Hungerford, chair of the boathouse project and Canada's 1964 Gold Medal Olympic Rower.The new boathouse will be situated on the banks of the Fraser River in Richmond, close to the site of the city's Olympic speed skating oval. 15 January 2006.

Chilliwack Rotary Club Welcomes CG
CG Lukens spoke on Canadian-US relations at the weekly gathering of the Rotary Club of Chilliwack. Members warmly welcomed the CG both in spirit and in song, kicking off the meeting with a heartwarming rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner." The organization is a member of Rotary International's District 5050,a cross-border rotary district serving northern Washington and British Columbia's Fraser Valley. 13 January 2006.

Holiday Radio Spot
Consular Section Chief Brad Johnson joined Vancouver travel agent Shauna Zeck on CKNW's Bill Good Show to answer questions about traveling to the United States during the holidays. Brad also discussed upcoming travel document requirements for Americans and Canadians under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. 21 December 2005.

CG in Prince Rupert
CG Lukens made his inaugural visit to the city of Prince Rupert, BC. While in Prince Rupert, the CG toured the city's expanding port facilities, met with local leaders including Mayor Herb Pond, and gave the keynote address at the December meeting of the Prince Rupert Chamber of Commerce. 7 December 2005.

UBC's Night of 1000 Dinners
The University of British Columbia's International Relations Student Association organized their third annual Night of 1000 Dinners to increase public awareness about global demining efforts. The U.S. Consulate General, together with the British Consulate General, the Honorary Consul General for Costa Rica, the Canadian Department of National Defence, and Mines Action Canada, co-sponsored the event. A record crowd of 400 turned out to learn more about current international humanitarian mine action efforts and raise money for future efforts. CG Lukens was one of several officials who delivered remarks during the evening. Several consulate officers were also on hand to answer questions about U.S. demining policy. 4 December 2005.

Trafficking in Persons Conference
The Canadian Red Cross and the Canadian Council for Refugees organized "Look Beneath the Surface: Community Responses to Human Trafficking." The daylong conference attracted approximately 200 attendees representing NGOs, law enforcement, academics, and members of the community. The U.S. Consulate joined the Canadian Department of Justice, International Organization of Migration, RCMP Human Trafficking Awareness Program, and SFU Red Cross Club in co-sponsoring the event. 26 November 2005.

Area Mosques Welcome CG for Tour
Leaders at the Masjid Al-Hidayah and Islamic Cultural Centre in Port Coquitlam, BC, and the Burnaby Mosque and Education Centre in Burnaby, BC, welcomed CG Lukens and other representatives from the Consulate on a tour of their beautiful facilities. 10 November 2005.

U.S. Secret Service on Detecting Counterfeit Currency
Vancouver Consulate-based U.S. Secret Service representatives spoke to a large crowd of merchants at Richmond's Aberdeen Centre on how to identify counterfeit U.S. currency. The outreach efforts are part of the Secret Service's continuing mandate to fight counterfeiting worldwide. Aberdeen Centre merchants, who like merchants elsewhere in Canada receive large amounts of U.S. currency on a daily basis from customers, greatly appreciated the opportunity to here from experts on this important topic.25 October 2005.

Quilters of Gee's Bend, Alabama
Arlonzia Pettway, Mary Lee Bendolph, and Louisiana Bendolph, representing the internationally-acclaimed Quiltmakers of Gee's Bend, Alabama together with art historian William Arnett and his son Matt, all traveled to Vancouver for a week-long visit. The group members were here to participate in the 2005 Maiwa Textile Symposium. While in Vancouver, they also made themselves available for several Consulate-sponsored events, including a public lecture on their life experiences and master classes on quilting at Capillano College as well as a digital videoconference with other U.S. posts in Canada. 15-19 October 2005.

North-South Columbia Corridor Coalition Conference
CG Lukens traveled to Rossland, BC to speak on the U.S.-Canadian bilateral relationship to delegates attending the North-South Columbia Corridor Coalition Conference. Conference participants aim to improve and increase the flow of trade at the eastern BC-eastern WA border. While in the area, the CG also visited the Teck Cominco smelter in Trail, BC, and US-Canadian border ports of entry in nearby Frontier, WA and Boundary, WA. 19-20 October 2005.

Consul General Travels to Victoria
CG Lukens made his first official visit to BC's capital city of Victoria. While in the capital, he met with BC Lieutenant Governor Iona Campagnolo, and attended a session of the BC Legislative Assembly. 18 October 2006.

ACS Chief in Whitehorse
The consulate's Chief of American Citizen Services, Stuart Wilson, traveled to Whitehorse to meet with officials about services available to Americans who visit and reside in the Yukon. While there, Mr. Wilson also delivered a letter of thanks on behalf of Consul General Lukens to Premier Fentie. The letter expresses the United States' extreme gratitude for the many contributions Yukoners made to help American victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. 29-30 September 2005.

USS Mustin Anchors in North Vancouver The USS Mustin came to port in North Vancouver for routine shore leave. The ship is one of the newest Arleigh-Burke class AEGIS destroyers equipped to conduct a variety of missions from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. While in North Vancouver, Commander Michael Ford hosted a VIP reception onboard the Mustin, visited with North Vancouver Mayor Barbara Sharp and other local officials, and offered special tours of the ship to North Vancouver-based youth groups. In addition, several crewmemberst traveled to the nearby Tslei-waututh First Nation Reserve to participate in a basketball camp with youth there and later invited those same youth to visit the Mustin. 12-16 September 2005.

Ambassador Wilkins Comes to Vancouver
U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins made his first official visit to Vancouver. His schedule included a keynote speech at the Vancouver Board of Trade, appearances on CKNW's Bill Good Show and before the Vancouver Sun Editorial Board, and a visit to the BC Cancer Foundation. But perhaps the highlight of Ambassador Wilkins' trip was his meeting with Vancouver's Urban Search and Rescue Team. The team had just returned from Louisiana after providing first responder rescue services to victims of Hurricane Katrina. The Ambassador thanked each rescuer individually for their extraordinary efforts. This was but one of many opportunities Ambassador Wilkins took during his visit to thank BC residents everywhere for assisting Americans in our time of need. 6-8 September 2005.

Avian Influenza Digital Videoconference
The Consulate in Vancouver organized a discussion via digital videoconference on U.S. and Canadian avian influenza preparedness. Audiences in Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto and Winnipeg linked digitally with speakers at the U.S. Embassy Ottawa and the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC for the event. Speakers representing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, together with the Public Health Agency of Canada, and Health Canada provided a comprehensive outline of North American planning on avian influenza and addressed the challenges in preparing for a possible pandemic. 23 August 2005.

CG Visits Osoyoos, BC
In his first visit to BC's Okanagan Valley, CG Lewis Lukens traveled to the desert city of Osoyoos. The CG offered remarks and presented a U.S. flag at “Romancing the Desert,” an annual event organized by the Osoyoos Desert Society. Osoyoos is situated in the northern tip of the Sonoran Desert, which stretches from Mexico through the western United States into Canada. 20 August 2005.

Ambassador, Congressional Delegation and CG in Yukon
U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins and Consul General Lewis Lukens greeted a delegation of U.S. senators in Whitehorse, Yukon. Senator John McCain (AZ), Senator Susan Collins (ME), Senator Lindsey Graham, (SC) and Senator Hillary Clinton (NY) visited the Yukon as part of a study tour to examine the effects of global warming on life in Northern communities. While in Whitehorse, the Ambassador and CG also met with Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie, Commissioner Jack Cable, Council of Yukon First Nations Andy Carvill, the Yukon and Whitehorse Chambers of Commerce, and several other officials. In addition, they had the opportunity to tour the construction site at Whitehorse's new multi-plex sports facility, which will host the 2007 Canada Winter Games. 14-16 August 2005.

New Consul General in Vancouver
Mr. Lewis Lukens arrived in Vancouver to assume the reigns as the new consul general at the U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver. Mr. Lukens brings a wealth of global experience with him, with previous postings in Iraq, Ireland, Australia, Cote d'Ivoire and China as well as several prominent postings in Washington, DC. See his biography to learn more. 3 August 2005.