Recently I spent a couple of days in Montreal, one of my favourite places in Canada. A great time to visit and discuss the outcome of the recent Quebec elections, the ongoing corruption investigation, as well as take the temperature of the business community on the economy, and on CETA, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement currently in (we hope) final stages of negotiation.

Whilst there, I also had the pleasure of visiting Bombardier – with our Consul General Patrick Holdich – and their facility at Mirabel which is producing the new CSeries aircraft. It was exciting to see the facility at such a key point in the production of the aircraft.

We saw the “Wooden Bird” – the wooden full-scale mock-up on which they are test-fitting key interior components – and the “CIASTA” rig, where they are testing all the integrated systems. And there was a real sense of anticipation as the wings were due to arrive from Northern Ireland the following day.

Fun though the visit was, I wasn’t just going as a tourist – the UK has a real vested interest in the success of Bombardier, which has investments across the UK in aerospace and rail. Indeed, Bombardier are the single largest private sector employer in Northern Ireland, so those CSeries wings make their own key contribution to British jobs and growth.

And this is a reminder of the strength of the economic relationship between the UK and Canada. Bombardier is just one example of the enormous economic contribution that Canadian companies make in the UK, because the business and investment environment in Britain makes it worth their while: our skilled and flexible workforce, and stable and transparent regulatory environment, our low rates of corporation tax and our gateway to the rest of the European market. And the relationship cuts both ways of course, with Canada being Britain’s second largest trading partner, and British companies enjoying the benefits of a stable and prosperous Canadian economy.

So, next time you’re on a plane, you might just take a moment to wonder whether it, too, is an embodiment of the strength of UK-Canada economic collaboration. The chances are it is!

I’ve discovered the wonders of spandex recently.

For the second year in a row, I’ve had the privilege to participate, with a number of my colleagues here at the British High Commission, in a terrific local charity event called Ride the Rideau. Our team, dubbed “Brits on Bikes”, is not made up of the athletic types and you won’t see us in the Tour de France any time soon, but we banded together to take on the challenge of riding our bicycles 100Km from Ottawa to the town of Merrickville-Wolford in an effort to raise money in support of world-class cancer research at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. For many of us, it was a difficult physical and emotional journey.

Last year was a brilliant success. We (just barely) completed the full 100Km and raised nearly $8600. This year we would elevate our team fundraising goal to $10,500. Our training began early with weekend cycling trips ranging from 25km to 50km before graduating to 75km. Fundraising efforts soon followed. Our colleagues at the High Commission were spared the physical training but we relied on them heavily for financial support. They proved to be an incredibly generous bunch, eagerly participating in BBQs, bake sales, quiz nights, book sales and raffles throughout the summer. Together with generous corporate sponsorship from Aviva Canada and Clyde & Co Canada LLP, we raised just over $12,000 – beating our fundraising goal and bringing our two-year total to over $20,000!

The day of the ride over 700 riders, including 22 cancer survivors, gathered at the crack of dawn, despite the threats of inclement weather. Many of us were nervous, but we were above all excited to demonstrate our newly developed physical prowess after months of training.

Storm clouds gathered overhead and drops of rain began to fall as the sea of bicycles surged forward and the race began. Shouts of encouragement from organisers, family and friends eased our anxieties and we set off with a sense of pride and solidarity. It was an inspiring sight to behold, hundreds of people coming together, Canadian and British, to battle a horrific disease. Regardless of our nationalities, languages or backgrounds, we were each driven by similar memories of loved ones that had defiantly won or tragically lost their battle with a disease that respects no borders and that transcends culture.

Now for the bad news. 35 km into the ride violent thunderstorms forced organisers to cancel the ride. We were all disappointed but also thankful for the judgement and efficiency of organisers who dispatched buses to rescue all 700 riders. Ride the Rideau raised a whopping $1.72 million this year, making it Eastern Ontario’s most successful single-day cancer fundraiser.

In the end we did not get to complete our 100km but our team is now planning a makeup ride in the weeks to come – our spandex awaits.

I attended the 72^nd anniversary of the Battle of Britain at Ottawa’s Aviation Museum on 16 September, under flawless blue skies – a bit like during the Battle itself – and in the presence of the Chief of Air Staff, veterans, cadets and members on parade of the Royal Canadian Air Force. I said the following:

It is right and fitting that we celebrate Battle of Britain Day every year.

It was a pivotal moment.

After the long stalemates of the First World War, Hitler’s armies had overrun Poland, Denmark and Norway with shocking rapidity. In May 1940, they invaded the Netherlands, Belgium and France. With great bravery, the Royal Navy and the “small boats” had evacuated 330,000 British and French troops from Dunkirk. But it was a retreat, and Western Europe was Hitler’s.

The British Isles now faced something fearful and alien: a vast contagion from the air. The front line would be everywhere, in cities, towns and villages. There had been arial bombardments before, in Spain, and then in Poland, but nothing on the scale gathering across the Channel. A great air armada, as a prelude to invasion, the first that Britain was not sure it could repel since Philip II’s Armarda of 1588.

Only two things stood against it: the people and the machines.

First, the people. As ever, Churchill was clear: “Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this island or lose the war”. He foresaw the whole nation fighting and suffering together, but he offered hope. Britain was united, because “we entered the war upon the national will and with our eyes open, and because we have been nurtured in freedom and individual responsibility and are the products, not of totalitarian uniformity, but of tolerance and variety.” His words still help define us today.

The people’s spearhead were the pilots, mechanics, fitters, radar operators and plotters of the RAF. I’ll come back to them.

And then there were the machines. My invitation to this event has a picture of a Hawker Hurricane. They bore the brunt of the battle. There’s one here in the Aviation Museum, which I hope you’ll look at after the ceremony. It sits next to a clipped-wing Spitfire, a later variant of the earlier marque that flew into legend during the Battle. And they both stand next to a lean and impressively mean ME 109, against which they flew in those bright and deadly summer skies 72 years ago.

More gripping even than the Museum display, however, is the fact that these aircraft will soon fly past us. They’re out there, aloft, as in 1940, awaiting their moment.

It is a huge privilege that we can still see them, and we owe much to Vintage Wings and the other skilled enthusiasts who keep them flying.

More humbling is to meet some of the diminishing band of those who flew them, not just in the Battle of Britain but throughout the war. The Few, sadly getting fewer.

Pilots of many nations served with the RAF. From occupied Europe – Poles, Czechs, Frenchmen; from the United States; and from the Commonwealth: Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans, West Indians.

And many, of course, from Canada, where the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan would soon be producing thousands of pilots for fighters, bombers, transport and reconnaissance aircraft.

115 Canadians flew in the battle. 23 lost their lives. They deserve our gratitude, our tribute and our remembering. And they are remembered – in Canada, and in Britain, and their names are enshrined on the Battle of Britain Monument in London.

Churchill, of course, gave the Battle its name, in his speech to the House of Commons in June 1940, when he said: “The Battle of France is over. The Battle of Britain is about to begin…. Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves, that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, “this was their finest hour”.

It’s worth recalling those words. They’re more than a call to arms, or even duty. They’re a summons to destiny. The generation of 1940 responded, which is why we can stand here in Ottawa, peaceful and free, to remember and celebrate them.

Brave young men and women have continued since 1945 to defend our countries and our values. Canada and Britain still stand shoulder to shoulder, and, as over Libya last year, wing tip to wing tip. In honouring the warriors of 1940, as we do today, we honour their successors too.

My family and I have just celebrated two months in Alberta. Arriving just prior to Stampede was thrilling. Being the first British Consul General resident in Calgary is a huge honour. Identifying a clone to pack everything in (we cover Saskatchewan and Manitoba too) is an increasing priority.

To me, Alberta is a Province of contrasts. All of them fascinating:

•  Alberta has an established community of businessmen, oil barons and Aldermen – the reason why Alberta has grown so impressively. Alongside them is a young, culturally diverse, dynamic, globally aware and ambitious younger generation. Social media is an essential tool.
• Alberta’s energy industry delivers growth and prosperity. The UK supports. The industry’s environmental impact is well documented. But this is a society pioneering processes and practices to tackle emissions, and to innovate. Industry, government and academia working side by side to achieve real progress – there is no other way. The UK is able and adept at supporting.
• A province that works hard, and plays hard. The Stampede is a study – strategic relationships enhanced, deals progressed. Whilst pancakes enjoyed, (responsible amounts of) beer sank and yah-hoos bellowed. White hats mandatory.
• Tradition sits alongside innovation. Alberta is immensely proud of its heritage.  But innovation pumps through its veins. World class Universities of Calgary and Alberta, supported by and involving Industry and Government. Last week, a UK delegation visited to explore stronger UK-Albertan collaboration on Science and Innovation. This week sees a UK team here focussing on Carbon Capture Storage.
• Building Albertan wealth complements the ethic of sharing and contributing. The Voluntary sector in Alberta thrives. Almost everyone gives up some of their time for the less privileged, or to enhance Alberta’s successes.
• I love beef. Alberta’s is the second best in the world, after our own Aberdeen Angus (I expect a postbox on that). ‘Well done’ is blasphemy. But the culinary landscape here is vast. My Y membership is counteracting the waistline impact (as does chasing my kids around Prince’s Island Park).
• Urban centres lie (almost) cheek to jowl with stunning natural beauty. Thriving communities in Calgary and Edmonton lie a short drive from un-paralleled landscapes. I’ve a feeling that Alberta could do more to promote tourism.
• Robust democratic structures allow for progressive and bold action. Ditto an inquisitive media. Alberta wants to be forward-thinking, knowledge-based. Edmonton’s political and cultural energy shines. Calgary cares deeply for its citizens’ quality of life. Society should demand density – to unwind, shop, eat and work without using the car. These projects deserves UK support.
• Alberta is secure in its place in the world, but seeks a larger global profile. Outreach to Europe, Latin America and Asia continues as it seeks to diversify the supply of its vast natural resource to new markets. The UK is engaged.

…amongst all these contrasts, one consistent theme. All Albertans we’ve met have offered a genuine and warm welcome. Their Province is hugely important to the UK’s energy, climate and economic prosperity. The next four years here will be fascinating, demanding, and rewarding. And immense fun.

If anyone has other interesting Albertan contrasts to share, I’m eager to hear about them. You can do so via twitter at @anthonypkay.

Now where is that cloning machine..

War fever is racing down the river! Actually, war commemoration fever, as the many ceremonies to mark the War of 1812 begin.

I had the pleasure of attending two fascinating events in the last week. The first, at Ottawa’s excellent War Museum, is called: 1812: One War, Four Perspectives. Its curator is Dr Peter MacLeod, and there are some striking artefacts – a charred piece of the White House, courtesy HM Forces, 1814; a rather lugubrious British lion liberated from the ashes of York, courtesy US Forces, 1814; and what’s left of the battle ensign of the USS Chesapeake, courtesy of HMS Shannon, 1813. It’s an excellent exhibition and concept, showing the interlocking – but at times parallel, yet always vivid – perspectives of all sides (British, American, Canadian, First Nations), and many individuals. And it gives detail and depth to actions and encounters, not to mention people important to the fate of Canada, who’ve long been unjustly neglected.

Just as vivid was to see how historic Canadian towns are bringing their history to life. I was in Gananoque, on the banks of the St Lawrence, on 18 June – 200 years to the day that the US Congress declared war on Great Britain. The folk of Gananoque gathered in their hundreds in the new and impressive Col. Joel Stone Heritage Park to mark the event, and the US raids on the town in 1812.

British High Commissioner to Canada, Andrew Pocock, addresses the crowd gathered to watch the opening ceremony. (Credit: Rosanne Lake, gananoquetoday.ca)

Dignitaries included Gord Brown MP, Steve Clark MPP, Mayor Erika Demchuk (giving Laura Secord a run for her shilling in immaculate period costume), Mohawk Chief Stewart Deline (who was accompanied by First Nation drummers and singers in traditional garb, representing the Iroquois Confederacy) and not least by John R Matheson, who chaired the committee that chose the maple leaf as Canada’s flag.

Period uniforms abounded – British regulars, the Glengarry Light Infantry, Jack Tar and modern naval uniform – and cruising offshore was a yare little schooner, to remind us all of the Navy’s role in proceedings. Cannon were fired, muskets discharged, a huge Maple Leaf raised on an 80 foot staff, ribbons cut and the Town Crier, resplendent in blue trim and a tricorn hat, declared the Park open in a voice that would stop traffic on the 401.

Muskets fire as part of the musket volley and cannon salute from the Canadian Regiment of Fencible Infantry and the Royal Navy Gun Crew and Royal Artillery. (Credit: Rosanne Lake, gananoquetoday.ca)

A good time was had by all, but four things struck me: while we were rightly commemorating the War, we were celebrating the peace, and its fruits – the Stars and Stripes were in the crowd, carried by welcome cousins from across the water, who’d stormed ashore armed only with their credit cards; the close and affectionate links between Canada and the UK, alive and well at all levels; the huge enthusiasm and effort by the people of Gananoque, many of whom privately had helped sponsor proceedings, and who, with malice towards none, were taking a lively pride in their heritage; and finally the thought that as the news ran up and down the river, 2012 is on the way to becoming a genuinely popular celebration of the so-called “forgotten war”.

I wish it well, and intend to continue enjoying the spirit and ingenuity of Canadian celebration. And there are still Tall Ships to come on 24-26 August!

Andrew

I haven’t blogged much recently, as we’ve been launching the GREAT campaign across Canada. GREAT as in Britain, and it asks Canadians to take a new look at the Old Country. You’ll be surprised by what you see. All the things you’d expect in the history and tradition departments – and we’re on the verge of a splendid Diamond Jubilee weekend – but also a burst of innovation, technology, creative industries, entrepreneurial businesses, art and architecture, green and digital clusters and lots more.

And with the Diamond Jubilee and Olympic/Paralympic Games as well, an exciting place to visit, live, invest and do business in.

End of commercial, and on the GREAT launch.

We kicked off in Vancouver on 24 May with a GREAT British Breakfast: a heart attack in every bite, but 250 of Vancouver’s finest tucked in. They were then regaled by speeches from our Consul-General and yours truly – I think having a good breakfast helped them choke those down.

We then had a surprise flash mob – young dancers dressed as the Fab Four, Spice Girls, Freddie Mercury, Austin Powers, Mary Poppins (!) and a range of others – who appeared from nowhere and boogied the morn away. The icing on the cake was Richard Branson, who graciously came, spoke and conquered. See attached photo, in epic mode, with Ryan Holmes, CEO of HootSuite and one of Canada’s successful young entrepreneurs.

Flash mob then repaired to Vancouver International Airport, to repeat their triumph among startled but delighted travellers.

Then on the Friday, Richard Branson lunched with 1500 of the Vancouver Board of Trade’s closest friends, talked about his life and career, and announced the beginning of a Virgin Atlantic route non-stop London-Vancouver.

We gave it both barrels, with a simultaneous launch in Toronto. The British circus and music group The Chipolatas took the streets by storm (hot dog!); Hugh Robertson (UK Sports Minister) spoke at a major Gala hosted by the Deputy British High Commissioner; and a good time was had by all.

We had some fun and it went well. In Toronto alone – the inevitable statistics, I fear – we had 3.5 million “impressions” – a term of art, I’m told, signifying quantifiable connections with people’s attention, and we’re doing the numbers elsewhere.

I’ll write again as we move forward. Enjoy the summer.

This week, Montreal is hosting the International Polar Year conference, IPY 2012: From Knowledge to Action. IPY 2012 brings together over 3000 international experts from across a variety of fields, with the ambitious agenda of using the knowledge accumulated by researchers during international polar year activities, and developing concrete actions to move forward.

Halley VI research station (credit: British Antarctic Survey)

The polar regions of our planet hold a special mystique, buried under snow and ice, and their extreme weather conditions have posed a challenge to many of our historical adventurers (Robert Falcon Scott). But they are also very fragile environments, particularly sensitive to climate fluctuations, populated with flora and fauna that have specifically adapted to their extreme climates.

The Antarctic stands apart as its own continent at the southernmost point of the earth’s rotational axis. While the Antarctic (Southern Polar region) does not have a permanent human population, it is governed by the (international) Antarctic treaty, which sets aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve, and prohibits any military activity (the treaty originally signed by 12 signatories, currently has 49 signatory nations).

The Arctic (Northern Polar region) by contrast is defined as anything north of the Arctic Circle (66° 33′N), and includes portions of Canada, Russia, Greenland, the United States, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. As such, it is also very socially and politically different than the Antarctic, having not only adapted flora and fauna, but indigenous populations.

The BBC’s Frozen Planet series explores both of these fascinating places, the flora the fauna and the peoples that live in these extreme environments. Elizabeth White (@BBCExplorer_ew), Director and Co-Producer of the Frozen Planet series joined us Wednesday evening at IPY, for a viewing of Frozen Planet episode: On thin Ice at the Polar Film Festival, happening in parallel to IPY.

Afterwards she took time to record a short video on her experiences in the polar regions. The video also includes architect Hugh Broughton, who designed the Halley VI Research Station used by the British Antarctic Survey.

In addition to Elizabeth White, there is a strong UK research presence at IPY. This includes the British Antarctic Survey, and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Arctic Research Program, who have researchers and a booth on site. There is also a strong group from the Scott Polar Research Institute (University of Cambridge)

This conference aims to examine the global impact and implications of International Polar Year (2007-2008) activities, and to develop collaborative strategies for addressing them. We hope by working together to move towards this ambitious goal.

Last month I found myself at Lancaster House attending an Foreign Office/Wilton Park Conference: “A climate and resource security dialogue for the 21st Century.” The conference had been many months in the planning and I was lucky to get a place alongside a few other attachés from posts in the US, India and elsewhere.

Climate Security Conference in London, 22 March 2012

Wilton Park events take place under a rigorous protocol which means that apart from a few on the record speeches, I am not allowed to attribute particular comments with specific individuals. So these reflections are necessarily my own, supplemented with material I know is a matter of record.

Things got off to a cracking start on Day One with a welcome speech by new DECC SofS Ed Davey, the first time I had seen him in action. His intervention was a well judged combination of light and shade, pulling no punches as to the scale of the challenge, but with a suitable element of encouragement for those of us in the room ready to debate the issues.

President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon was next and spoke eloquently demonstrating that climate change and its impact on human security is very much a reality in Africa and elsewhere.

We also had the unique opportunity to be addressed by the 4th in line to one of the European thrones, Jaime de Bourbon Palme. I found him deeply impressive, full of humility and as down to earth as anyone else in the room. If not more so. He endeared himself to one of my colleagues when he asked for directions to the nearest tube station: no chauffeur-driven limos for him! He stayed from the very beginning to the very end of the conference, actively participating throughout.

The first day ended with a reception hosted by the FCO’s Lord Howell of Guildford and by MoD Minister Andrew Robathan. As I headed to my hotel that evening what struck me most was the diversity of the organisations represented and the many nationalities involved, juxtaposed with the clarity and convergence of the message: there is a problem and we need to find ways to fix it. Fast!

If Day One was about setting the scene, Day Two was about trying to figure out what we were going to do about it. The challenge of dealing with various regional actors was considered from all angles. One participant encouraged us to consider other non-government actors, such as the private sector, in our deliberations about climate solutions: a message which resonated with me. I would have liked to have seen more on the public/private partnership angle to this issue. Doubtless that will come later.

Various concluding speakers spoke of the progress that had been made here. Others promised to take the debate forward to the next stop on the challenging trail to enlightenment. I was left in no doubt as to the utility of the occasion in bringing people together and of demonstrating our continued commitment to the cause. Other countries and organisations were identified to do their bit take the issue forward. To my mind the Conference represented an evolution of the debate and not revolution. But as long as people keep talking about climate security, spreading these important messages and sharpening their narrative, then there is reason to hope that we are continuing to move forward towards finding solutions to the challenge of maintaining human security in a rapidly changing climate.

I couldn’t help myself thinking on the way to the airport of the metaphor of the boiling frog. I know it’s not an original thought, Al Gore mentioned it in “An Inconvenient Truth”, and the fable itself has been around forever. But as London and Ottawa sweltered through record breaking temperatures that week, I wondered if anyone else thought it ominous?

Today we begin the 100 day countdown to the Opening Ceremony of the Games of the 30th Olympiad – in London, on 27 July 2012.

There will be events at many other sites around the United Kingdom. But eyes will turn to London: the only city to host the Games three times. It’ll be a little different to 1908, when we won most of the medals, and live pigeon shooting was a medal sport; or 1948, when competitors had to bring their own rations! But London’s ready, and so is Olympic Park: the largest park built in Europe for 100 years, and an engine of growth for London’s five poorest boroughs, its nearest neighbours. With sustainability – economic, infrastructural, environmental – built into it, the Park’s legacy will be to serve sport and the community for decades to come.

I had the pleasure a couple of weeks ago to see Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic swimming teams completing their trials at the Stade Olympique in Montreal – home of the 1976 Games. I told them that what lay in their immediate future was Zaha Hadid’s Aquatic Centre: already tested and praised – for its architectural daring and state of the art competition and warm-up facilities. All the other elements of Olympic Park – the main stadium, the Velodrome, supporting infrastructure and housing facilities – will also be ready, on time and within budget.

So, much excitement, but a huge challenge for young athletes from across the world. Spare a thought too, for the small army of volunteers, officials and professionals whose task it to make all this run on rails, and not just the myriad sporting events of this most complex of operations. All the rest too – from catering to security, ticketing to transport, cleaning to directing visitors. They’ll deserve medals too, for making all these moving parts mesh, but will probably be content with the Order of the Warm Handshake, or the Grateful Smile.

The Olympics are followed by the 14th Paralympiad, which is a matter of special pride for London. This great movement grew out of games staged for wounded veterans of World War Two at the hospital of Stoke Mandeville, during London’s 1948 Olympics. So we feel the Paralympics are genuinely coming home.

You can see it all on TV, but why not come on down? There’s a Cultural Olympiad, and the manifold attractions, historic and modern, of London and the country as a whole. It’s summer in Britain, so the weather is guaranteed to be glorious. See you there.

Athlete Chelsey Gotell; Mark Tewksbury, Chef de Mission for 2012 Canadian Olympic team; British High Commissioner Andrew Pocock; and athlete Britanny McLean

I had a great pre-Olympic experience last weekend. I was invited by Pierre La Fontaine to witness the Olympic and Paralympic swimming trials. Pierre is CEO of Swimming Canada, and National Coach to boot.

It was fun going into the Stade Olympique in Montreal, meeting officials and swimmers, and offering them a public welcome to the London Games. I used to swim myself, deep in the last century, and you never forget the smell of chlorine, or ploughing up and down those lanes. The best bit is the adrenaline of competition, and it was great to watch the two ends of the spectrum: the 50 metre sprint finals – the splash and dash – and the grind of the 1500 metres – which burns more, the lungs or the arms, is hard to know.

But the swimmers hurled themselves into it, with eyes on the prize: becoming an Olympian.

I said to the swimmers that they had ahead of them one of the jewels of London’s Olympic Park: the magnificent Aquatic Centre, designed by Zaha Hadid and already praised for its combination of spectacular architecture and state-of-the-art competition and warm-up facilities.

Of course, the Aquatic Centre’s setting is amid the 4,000 trees and world-class amenities and infrastructure of the Park itself – risen in East London from the ashes of war and neglect to become Europe’s largest urban park. Its legacy will be to serve sport and the community for decades to come.

London is looking forward to the Games, but is particularly proud to host the 14th Paralympiad. This great movement grew out of games staged for wounded veterans of World War Two at the hospital of Stoke Mandeville, during London’s 1948 Olympic Games (London is the only city to have staged the games three times – 1908, 1948 and now this year).

So we feel strongly that the Paralympics are coming home, while the power of modern telecommunications takes them simultaneously across the globe.

I really enjoyed my visit poolside, and wish the teams good luck. They just have to leave a few medals for the rest of us.