Ávarp forsætisráðherra á Íslendingadegi í Gimli Park, Manitoba

Ávarp Geirs H. Haarde, forsætisráðherra, á Íslendingadegi í Gimli Park mánudaginn 6. ágúst 2007.

Fjallkona Rosalind Vigfuson,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Kæru vinir,

For a travelling Icelander, there are few destinations which are as memorable and rewarding as Manitoba in general and Gimli in particular. I had the pleasure of visiting Gimli in the years 2001 and 2004 and was on both occasions overwhelmed by the warmth and generosity of Manitoban hospitality and the active interest taken in the Icelandic heritage by Canadians of Icelandic descent. Therefore, I have been looking forward to visiting again and I am greatly honoured to have the opportunity to address the Íslendingadagur as Prime Minister and to convey to you the greetings and best wishes of the Government and People of Iceland.

I want to start by paying tribute to all of those who have, in past decades and to this day, contributed generously towards nurturing the bonds of kinship and culture between Canadians of Icelandic descent and Iceland. For us it is moving to see how successive generations of Canadians have preserved both their knowledge of Iceland and deep affinity towards their relatives in the “Old Country”. I can assure you, that these feelings and interest are greatly valued and fully reciprocated in Iceland. The establishment of the Consulate General in Winnipeg in 1999 and the Embassy in Ottawa in 2001 reflects our commitment.

Taking a broader perspective, it is clear that the initiative and efforts of the many individuals and societies who have so tirelessly maintained the Icelandic heritage in Canada, have contributed substantially to the excellent bilateral relations which our two countries enjoy today. Geographic proximity and similar national interests are usually a good foundation for a bilateral relationship, but a shared history and mutual awareness and understanding forge stronger links. In this respect, Canadians of Icelandic descent have made an invaluable contribution.  

During this visit to Canada, I have met with federal, provincial and community leaders, as well as representatives of business and culture. All of these meetings and events have been very informative and inspiring and have confirmed my impression that the relationship between Iceland and Canada is rapidly becoming broader and deeper. Furthermore, there is tremendous future potential.

Internationally, Iceland and Canada share an emphasis on the use of diplomatic means for the peaceful resolution of disputes and have for a long time consulted, coordinated and cooperated closely at the UN.

The international definition of security has been broadening in recent years and now extends, for example, to environmental protection and availability of energy. In both areas our countries have a lot to offer the rest of the world. Iceland and Canada have already started consultations on possible bilateral security cooperation under the auspices of NATO, which will hopefully result in increased peacetime preparedness in the northern North-Atlantic also involving other neighbouring Allies.

Just recently, two very important milestones have been reached in strengthening the economic and commercial links between Iceland and Canada. First, the European Free Trade Association, including Iceland, signed a free-trade agreement with Canada. Secondly, Iceland and Canada initialled an aviation agreement, a so-called Blue Skies agreement. The latter has already resulted in an announcement by Icelandair that it will start regular flights to Toronto next year and will consider the possibilities of flights to a number of other Canadian destinations. The active implementation of these agreements can create great opportunites both for Iceland and Canada.   

The ties between Iceland and Manitoba will remain strong regardless of business, but they would undoubtedly be reinforced by increased  commercial cooperation. Experience shows that business intensifies contacts at different levels and promotes cultural activities. The Government of Iceland will continue to render support to individual projects which relate to our common heritage.

I am pleased that we were able to assist in securing the future of the Lögberg-Heimskringla, Canada´s oldest ethnic publication, and I congratulate everyone concerned on the successful fundraising. I am also very satisfied that we could play a part in the success of the Nunanow Art Festival and understand that there is interest in making it an annual event, where young artists from both countries could work together. Similarly, I can confirm that we will continue to support the Snorri Programme, where the primary objective is to involve younger people.  Under this programme young Canadians of Icelandic descent come to Iceland every year to work and experience Iceland and learn about the land of their forefathers.   Similarly, young Icelanders go to Canada to laern about the life of people of Icelandic descent and more generally about the Canadian way of living. This exchange programme has been a great success and with us here today are a number of young Icelanders that are currently staying in Canada under this programme. I am sure the Snorri programme will further strengthen the relationship between our two countries.

The various efforts of the authorities in Manitoba are crucial to the long-term success of our joint undertakings. I would, in particular, like to mention the Icelandic faculty of the University of Manitoba, which is the finest outside Iceland and includes a spectacular collection of Icelandic books. I understand that the faculty is thriving and that student numbers are rising and I know that Icelandic universities want to continue working closely with the University of Manitoba.

The relationship between Iceland and Canada extends from broad international issues to very concrete person-to-person interaction. The efforts of Canadians of Icelandic descent and of Icelanders devoted to our friendship, will always have a positive influence on the development of the overall relationship between our two countries. 

After an eventful and productive week in Canada and two wonderful days here in Gimli, I can sincerely say that Iceland and Canada do have a special relationship which will endure.   The Government of Iceland is firmly committed to strengthening these ties even further. 

Thank you for inviting me and my wife to Íslendingadagurinn. It is a real honour and a great pleasure to be here.