U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins hosted a luncheon today at his Ottawa residence.

The purpose was to debrief reporters on the North American Leader's Summit in New Orleans earlier this week.

While more than a dozen journalists enjoyed a fine lunch, Ambassador Wilkins praised the summit and the leaders. He stressed the importance of an annual leaders' meeting to discuss issues ranging from harmonizing continental regulations on everything from car parts to food safety to the important work on border issues.

Wilkins is known for a fine sense of humour. When asked for his thoughts about why the leaders' summit didn't produce the same angry protests as were seen last year at the summit in Montebello, Quebec, he quipped: "Probably because the meeting was not in Canada. You know our country," he said, referencing the United States, "We are just a quiet do your own thing kind of place."

The room erupted in laughter.