Bruce Heyman, would-be U.S. ambassador, touts family ties to Canada

WASHINGTON – The man who wants to be the next United States ambassador to Canada is touting his family ties to the country.

In opening remarks at his Senate confirmation hearing, Bruce Heyman says his wife’s ancestors immigrated to Canada and many family members settled there.

He says that family bond is hardly unique and is just one example of the “countless links” that bind the countries.

The Chicago investment banker and high-level Democratic fundraiser says his background at Goldman Sachs would help him develop the countries’ trade relationship.

He says the economy is his top priority, with security and the environment also on the list.

Heyman’s nomination process is taking place with the Keystone pipeline debate as a backdrop: President Barack Obama has said he won’t approve the project if it means a significant increase in greenhouse gases.

Heyman’s nomination must next be recommended by the Senate foreign relations committee, then put to a vote on the Senate floor.

His appointment had been rumoured for months but was one of many executive appointments held up in the Senate throughout 2013.

The chamber’s Democratic majority has just adopted new rules to make it easier to override a filibuster, which is spurring a faster flow of nominations.