Ottawa prepares for a new U.S. president as Canada reflects on Biden's legacy
CBC
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined other political leaders and diplomats in praising — and reflecting on — Joe Biden's legacy, as Ottawa prepares to work with whomever Americans vote for as their next president this fall.
Biden announced on Sunday he is abruptly ending his presidential re-election campaign.
"I've known President Biden for years. He's a great man, and everything he does is guided by his love for his country," Trudeau wrote in a statement shortly after the announcement. "As president, he is a partner to Canadians — and a true friend. To President Biden and the First Lady: thank you."
The two last met just two weeks ago when Biden hosted world leaders for a NATO Summit in Washington. At the time, as questions were swirling about Biden's re-election bid following a disastrous debate performance on June 27, Trudeau told reporters that "we are lucky on the world stage to have Biden leading ... in some extraordinarily consequential times."
On Sunday, Liberal cabinet ministers took to X, formerly Twitter, to praise Biden's achievements on the environment and on defence and security.
Innovation, Science and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, who met Biden when the president came to Ottawa to meet with Trudeau, Monday described him as "a man with vision. Someone who cared deeply about people."
"He was very nice to me, took the time to talk, and the kind of person that has done so much not only for the United States, but for the world," he said on Monday in Farnborough, England, where he is on an international visit.
Champagne said he had "a lot of gratefulness for President Biden on everything he's done."
Ontario Premier Doug Ford thanked Biden for his 50 years of public service. He said he "felt sorry for him during the debate" and it was "pretty evident to everyone it was time for him to move on."
On Sunday, U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Cohen said Biden's 50 years of public service "will be his enduring legacy."
"Every day, I have been proud to say that I serve the United States and represent my friend President Biden in Canada. It will continue to be the honour of my lifetime to serve through the remainder of his presidency," Cohen said in a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa.
Former U.S. ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman — who earlier this month said he didn't believe Biden has the strength to compete for the presidency or serve another term — said he was "pleased" he decided to drop out of the race.
"I thought it would come ... I thought it was time," he said an interview on CBC News Network on Sunday evening.
"What an amazing, selfless act. He will go down in history as one of our greatest leaders in our country and somebody who's contributed so much throughout his 50-plus-year career," said Heyman, who was sworn into his job as ambassador by Biden when he was vice-president.
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