Inside Politics

Prime Minister, NDP react to Obama's re-election

by Kady O'Malley Posted: November 7, 2012 7:33 AM Last Updated: November 7, 2012 8:45 AM
Moments after multiple media outlets called the race for incumbent US president Barack Obama, the following dispatch from NDP Leader Tom Mulcair popped up on the gallery news wire: 


On behalf of Canada's New Democrats I extend heartfelt congratulations to Barack Obama, for his re-election as President of the United States of America.

President Obama knows that a nation can achieve more when its citizens work together to lift each other up. He also recognizes that sustainable development is crucial to ensuring a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.

These are values that New Democrats are proud to share.

Our countries are true neighbours and our peoples are true friends. I look forward to working more closely with the President to build a fairer, greener and more prosperous World for all.


The prime minister, however, was more cautious, waiting until word had gone out that Obama's Republican challenger, Mitt Romney, had called the president to concede before releasing his official congratulations: 

"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to congratulate President Barack Obama on his victory in tonight's election and on being re-elected by the American people for a second term. 

"Canada and the United States enjoy one of the closest and most extensive relationships in the world. 

"Over the last four years, the President and I have worked on several important bilateral initiatives to generate jobs and growth in both our countries. This includes the Beyond the Border Action Plan, which will speed up trade and travel across our borders while also enhancing security. 

"We are also working together with other partners to conclude the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, which seeks to boost trade in the Asia-Pacific region. 

"I look forward to working with the Obama Administration over the next four years to continue finding ways to increase trade and investment flows between our countries. This includes putting in place the transportation and security infrastructure necessary to take bilateral commercial relations to new heights and reducing red tape so companies on both sides of the border can create more jobs.

"I also look forward to continuing to work with President Obama on pressing global economic issues as well as on security challenges, such as those in Iran and Syria. 

"I would also like to congratulate all incoming and re-elected Members of Congress and Governors. Close cooperation between our two countries will be essential as we seek to create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity over the coming months and years." 
As yet, the Liberal Party has not issued a formal statement.

Tags: obama, stephen harper