A welcoming ceremony for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen takes place on Parliament Hill prior to her address to parliamentarians in the chamber of the House of Commons. In her address, she highlights Canada's strong ties with Europe and support for Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing invasion. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Senate Speaker George Furey and House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota also make remarks
President von der Leyen is visiting Kingston and Ottawa as part of her three-day official visit to Canada. She was elected in 2019 as the first female president of the European Commission, which is the executive body of the European Union (EU). Her address to Parliament comes on the eve of International Women’s Day.
