Bruce Heyman Sets Out Agenda As U.S. Ambassador to Canada

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By Susana Mas, CBC News Jun 09, 2014

Heyman says that 'naysayers' of bilateral relationship should not 'mistake headlines for trend-lines'

U.S. Ambassador Bruce Heyman says he is determined not to let the Canada-U.S. relationship sour under his watch, in his first public speech since taking on the job.

"At the end of my tenure here, I want to be able to say that I have enhanced the enduring relationship our two countries share," Heyman said in prepared remarks to a crowd gathered at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa on Monday night.

Heyman, a self-described optimist, said "naysayers" who suggest the bilateral relationship is not as "positive" as he sees it, should not "mistake headlines for trend-lines."

"Do not take a few issues and draw any conclusions on the overall relationship."

While Heyman's written speech does not actually mention the proposed Keystone XL pipeline, it's no secret that a six-year delay has dominated the bilateral relationship.

A decision on the pipeline that would connect Canada's oilsands region to refineries in Texas has been punted again until after the U.S. midterm election in November.

Heyman outlined his agenda, which includes a focus on:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Beyond the Border deal.
• Intellectual property.
• Trans-Pacific Partnership.

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