Hopes run high for a renewed relationship with USA

While Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota spent most of his day in meetings the historic event south of the boarder did not escape his attention and he offered the following statement on Barack Obama’s swearing in as President of the United States.

"The inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States is certainly a historic occasion, and one that people from around the world, including Canada will be watching with great interest.”

“Mr. Obama has succeeded in inspiring millions of people, and there is a shared hope and optimism that he will be able to help address many of the challenges that his country currently faces.”

Rota also notes that under the new administration, Canada has high hopes for a renewed relationship with the United States that is mutually beneficial.

“My Liberal colleagues and I look forward to a healthy dialogue and exchange of ideas that will not only get us through these difficult economic times, but prepare both of our countries for the many challenges ahead, at home and around the world.”

“Mr. Obama's commitment to working with others, regardless of political affiliation, is certainly worthy of admiration and emulation in Canada's Parliament as well.”

“On behalf of the people of Nipissing-Timiskaming I would like to congratulate President Obama on this memorable occasion, and offer our best wishes to his entire administration," he concludes.

Also watching history unfold were the many men and women of the United States Air Force stationed at CFB North Bay.

Master Sergeant John Proniewicz says as of today he has a new boss.

“I am glad to be alive to see something like this,” he tells BayToday.

“And happy to see what is going to come out of it.”

Proniewicz says he has served under three presidents, George Bush Sr., Clinton, and George W. Bush and looks forward to serving under Obama although he says while each president is different his job remains relatively the same. But in his private life the Master Sergeant hopes the lives of his fellow countrymen gets easier quickly.

“The change is less impacting we are fairly stable in what we do,” He notes.

“I hope this administration will halt the home and job losses and bring more jobs and bring the economy back around.”

Proniewicz says he was happy to have had the time to witness the historic event but Wednesday it is back to the grindstone.

“The big thing was to hear the speech fess-up that mistakes were made not just in the last administration but in a number of past administrations.”

“It is life as usual tomorrow and do what we do best work for the United States Air Force.”