Justin Trudeau arrives in Washington for whirlwind visit - Toronto Star‎

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived in the United States on Wednesday — the start of a multi-day fête to honour the “special relationship” between Canada and the U.S. It’s his first visit to the U.S. as prime minister, and tomorrow he’ll be the guest of honour at the first state dinner for a Canadian in 19 years.

Trudeau arrived at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland just before 5 p.m., with his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau and three young children in tow. They were welcomed by a military band and guard of honour, while onlookers waved Canadian flags and snapped pictures of Canada’s most famous family before they departed.

Headlines in the Washington Post heralded the arrival of Trudeau’s “star power” to America’s capital, and Politico noted that “Justin fever” was at an all-time high.

Although the visit is largely symbolic, it can be a chance for the two countries to accomplish something significant, said Robert Bothwell, a professor at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global of Affairs.

Significant policy announcements are already anticipated. Trudeau is expected to make headway with Obama on a comprehensive climate-change agreement, as well as a plan to streamline the customs process at the border.

Trudeau’s itinerary
After arriving at Andrews Air Force Base, Trudeau will attend a reception at the Smithsonian American Art Museum hosted by Canada 2020, a self-described progressive think tank with strong ties to the Liberal Party. Thursday morning, he meets with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office, has lunch with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and attends the state dinner.

A state dinner is the very height of diplomatic pomp, and this one is sure to be a glamour-filled evening.

The menu will feature baby lamb chops, an Alaskan halibut “casserole” and — in what is sure to cause a diplomatic strife in Quebec — pecan cake made with New England maple syrup. -  Read More at the Star
Justin Trudeau arrives in Washington for whirlwind visit

Trudeau bringing Canadian star power to White House - washingtonpost