Canada Day celebrations in Brasilia

On June 30, the Canadian Embassy in Brazil invited its Brazilian and Canadian partners from the political, economic, business, military, police, administrative and cooperation sectors to a reception to celebrate Canada Day. The event was held on the shores of lovely Paranoá Lake in Brasilia. Ambassador Suzanne Laporte took the opportunity to say her goodbyes to colleagues and friends as her term in Brazil draws to a close. There were over 450 representatives from the federal and state governments (including Women's Affairs Minister Nilcea Freire and her family), Brazil's Congress (a number of members of the Canada-Brazil Parliamentary Friendship Group), Canadian and Brazilian private sector officials and members of the Canadian community in Brazil who honoured us with their presence. After a magnificent performance by Brasilia's marines, who played the national anthems of Brazil and Canada, the festivities continued with music in a cordial, friendly setting. A wide variety of Canadian beers were provided for our guests, compliments of the Molson company.

To ensure that no one was left behind and that all of the Embassy staff could participate in the celebration, Brazilian and Canadian staff and their families got together the afternoon of July 1 for a friendly lunch in the Embassy's pleasant gardens. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to chat and have fun in a relaxed atmosphere. During the festivities, Ambassador Laporte said a few words in recognition of the work and dedication of Canadian colleagues who will be leaving Brasilia this summer. She also had an emotional thank you for the team she has worked with for the past two years, since she herself is returning to Canada in the next few weeks.