Yes Oui CANada!!!

Mr. Cool in Cold Canada
Barack Obama ventured outside the United States for the first time since he was elected President and hundreds braved a windy and chilly weather to catch a glimpse of him. What was so smooth about this visit is how Mr. Obama made every one around him seem at ease.

Upon arrival in Canada's capital Ottawa, he was greeted by Michaelle Jean, Canada's Governor-General. The warm response and obvious ease with which they both conversed seemed to highlight Obama's Mr. Cool persona. Their meeting was a historic one; as Michaelle Jean, Canada's first Black Governor-General welcomed the U.S. first Black President.

All over Canada, there is a strong "like" sentiment towards Barack Obama. As a matter of fact several polls during the U.S elections gave Obama a higher approval rating than he enjoyed in the U.S.

Obama's meeting with Canada's conservative P.M Stephen Harper lasted longer than the scheduled time, perhaps a sign that both men found several areas of common ground and enjoyed each others company.

The climate can wait, the economy is sick? No, not really

What is most important about this trip, was the anticipation of what Obama and Harper would do about Climate Change brouhaha. Obama is pro-global warming while Harper is obviously not. Besides Obama promised to change the U.S policy on Climate change and shift towards developing a "Green Economy".

Canada's recent sluggish stance on Climate change has raised concerns and worried Environmentalists. It is possible now that with a pro-green President in Washington, Canada might 'officially' have to shift again climate change position. An overwhelming number of the Canadian population are pro-green. Perhaps it is time for the Government to toe that line too.

Bits coming out of the meetings in Ottawa are pointing to the fact that Canada and the U.S. will pursue a more proactive approach to Climate and Energy issues. The gray areas and disagreements have that have always dogged discussions will first have to be done away with. The stubborn rhetoric that of the past seem over now and the work to begin to address the challenges should start in earnest.

Obama's emphasis on creating a "Green Economy" should be seen as a challenge to Canada government also especially since the U.S purchases most of Canada's crude oil. Unlike in previous times, all the issues should be on the table, and all countries developing and developed should be represented there too.

Lets Hope that this Clean Energy dialogue is the Change Environmentalists can believe in.