Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky’s address to Parliament this week was the latest in a long line of speeches by foreign leaders hoping to build ties with Canada, promote policies or plead for aid.
Dozens of prime ministers, presidents and other key figures are part of a tradition of addressing Canada’s House of Commons, but Zelensky’s speech was remarkable for its timing, context and virtual delivery.
“These are all players, when they’re addressing the House of Commons, who are at the height of their powers and have their greatest influence on the world agenda and international relations,” said Patrick Boyer, a historian and
