George W. Bush's long-delayed, first 'official' visit to Canada

It took a while for U.S. President George W. Bush to make his first official visit to Canada.

So long, in fact, he'd already been re-elected for a second term as president and long enough for Canada to have seen an election of its own and also achange in the prime minister.

The U.S. leader landed in Ottawa on Nov. 30, 2004, as part of a packed, 26-hour visit thatincluded talks with Prime Minister Paul Martin, as well as stops in the capital, across the river in Gatineau, Que., and also in Halifax.

The long-delayed official visit Bush had actually alreadybeen to Canada twice to attendSummits of the Americas andG8 conferences came at a time when the relations between the U.S. and Canada were publicly perceived to have worsened.

But Bush downplayed any divide between the two countries when speaking to the media.

"I frankly felt, like, the reception we received on the way in from the airport was very warm and hospitable," Bush told a news conference on his first day of the visit.

"And I want to thank the Canadian people who came out to wavewith all five fingersfor their hospitality."

Defence of Iraq invasion

The 9/11 attacks had occurred duringBush's first term in office, after which the U.S. had tightenedsecurity alongits borders andlaunched a military effort in Afghanistan that Canada joined.

George W. Bush defends Iraq invasion

20 years ago

Duration 1:05

During his visit to Canada, U.S. President George W. Bush speaks about American actions in Iraq.

The U.S. also led an invasion ofIraq during Bush's first term in office, an action the Canadian government hadn't supported or participated in. Theconflict wouldeventually claim more than 100,000 lives in that country.

While in Canada, Bush defended his country's actions in Iraq.

"I'm the kind of fella who does what I thinkis right and will continue to do what I think is right,"said Bush.

"I'll consult with our friends and neighbours, but if I think it's right to remove Saddam Hussein for the security of the United States, that's the course of action I'll take."

A thank you to Canadians

George W. Bush thanks Canadians

20 years ago

Duration 0:36

During a stop in Halifax, George W. Bush thanks the Canadians who sheltered Americans during the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

On the final day of the visit, Bush made a stop in Halifax, where he offered thanks tothe Canadians who offered shelterto thousands of Americans who had been stranded while travelling abroad on Sept. 11, 2001.

"For days after September the 11th, Canadians came to the aid of men and women and children who were worried and confused and had nowhere to sleep," Bush said.

"So, let me say directly to the Canadian people and to all of you here today who welcomed Americans: Thank you for your kindness to America in an hour of need."

'We are a sovereign nation'

An unexpected talking point

20 years ago

Duration 1:42

During a speech in Halifax, U.S. President George W. Bush brought up a controversial topic for Prime Minister Paul Martin.

The U.S. president then waded into a controversial topic, expressinghope that the two countries would "move forward on ballistic missile defence co-operation to protect the next generation of Canadians and Americans from the threats we know will arise."

Responding to Bush's comments which the Canadian government had not been expecting to hear the U.S. president say publicly, according to CBC News Martin indicated Canada would make its own decision on the matter.

"We are a sovereign nation and we will make the decisions about our airspace," said Martin, after Bush had made his remarks.

The trip north would be the U.S. president's last visit to Canada during Martin'struncatedtenure as prime minister.

Bushwould return to Canada in 2007, for talks with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Mexican President Felipe Caldern.

And it was Bush who was in office when Harper made his own first official visit to Washington, after he became prime minister.