‘True friends’: European Commission head gives joint address to Parliament
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke of the deep ties uniting Canada and Europe during a joint address to Parliament — “the home of Canadian democracy” — on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
“They say hard times reveal true friends,” she told senators and members of the House of Commons. “This is what the European Union and Canada are — true friends.”
She spoke at length about the hard times facing the West, decrying the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the devastating humanitarian toll it has taken.
“All of this because President (Vladimir) Putin refuses to recognize their freedom and their independence,” she said.
“And this we simply cannot accept.”
She pledged to keep supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes.
“I know Canada’s commitment is just as adamant as ours,” she said to applause.
Speaker of the Senate George J. Furey, K.C., praised Ms. von der Leyen — “a great friend of Canada” — for her strong leadership and her outspoken support of Ukraine.
“Protecting the values of freedom, democracy and rule of law is now more important than ever. They are values that we must never take for granted,” he said.
“Your words today remind us of the depth of our shared values and of the importance of defending them.”
Watch the joint address to Parliament.
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‘True friends’: European Commission head gives joint address to Parliament
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke of the deep ties uniting Canada and Europe during a joint address to Parliament — “the home of Canadian democracy” — on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
“They say hard times reveal true friends,” she told senators and members of the House of Commons. “This is what the European Union and Canada are — true friends.”
She spoke at length about the hard times facing the West, decrying the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the devastating humanitarian toll it has taken.
“All of this because President (Vladimir) Putin refuses to recognize their freedom and their independence,” she said.
“And this we simply cannot accept.”
She pledged to keep supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes.
“I know Canada’s commitment is just as adamant as ours,” she said to applause.
Speaker of the Senate George J. Furey, K.C., praised Ms. von der Leyen — “a great friend of Canada” — for her strong leadership and her outspoken support of Ukraine.
“Protecting the values of freedom, democracy and rule of law is now more important than ever. They are values that we must never take for granted,” he said.
“Your words today remind us of the depth of our shared values and of the importance of defending them.”
Watch the joint address to Parliament.