This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive.

Justin Trudeau On Justin Bieber: Stop Teasing Him, He Says In State Dinner Toast

"And of course, leave it to a Canadian to reach international fame with a song called 'Sorry.'"
Justin Trudeau delivers toast at state dinner in his honour, c...

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivers a toast during a state dinner at the White House in his honour and cracks a joke about Canadian pop star Justin Bieber in his speech.

Posted by Global News on Thursday, 10 March 2016

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had a request of all the guests at his state dinner at the White House on Thursday.

Stop teasing Justin Bieber.

The prime minister was addressing a crowd in the East Room of the White House when he came to the topic of international trade.

One of Canada's key exports, he said, is the hitmaker behind songs such as "Baby" and "Where Are U Now."

Here are his remarks about Justin Bieber:

"Over $2.4 billion worth of goods and services cross the border every day -- evidence of one of the largest and most mutually beneficial trading relationships in the world. And one of our most popular exports to the United States, and I need you to stop teasing him, has been another Justin. Now, no, no, that kid has had a great year. And of course, leave it to a Canadian to reach international fame with a song called 'Sorry.'"

The quip drew both laughter and applause.

U.S. President Barack Obama honoured Trudeau with a state dinner, marking the first time a Canadian leader has been invited to one in 19 years.

The last one was former prime minister Jean Chretien, who was invited to the White House by ex-U.S. president Bill Clinton, in 1997.

Prominent guests at Trudeau's state dinner included Canadian actors Sandra Oh, Mike Myers, and Michael J. Fox, as well as "Saturday Night Live" creator Lorne Michaels.

Also on HuffPost:

Washington, D.C. Party For Justin Trudeau

Close
This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.