Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey visited Canada on Friday, and thanked the country's utility workers for helping out the state when Hurricane Sandy hit, NJ.com reported.
In 2012, the superstorm affected numerous cities in the United States and caused massive flooding and power outages. Even though Canada was also suffering from the effects of the hurricane at that time, the country sent around 800 workers to New Jersey to restore power.
The utility workers, which included mechanics, safety personnel, linemen, logistics supervisors and forestry crews, worked for around 12 to 16 hours a day in New Jersey to restore electricity and other important utilities.
While in Toronto last week, the governor issued a statement to express his gratitude over Canada's recovery operations during a disastrous situation.
"Today we thank all of the Canadians who assisted in the recovery efforts following Sandy for their compassion, generosity and dedication," Christie said.
"Superstorm Sandy was a time of crisis and uncertainty in our state and these crews worked to quickly provide our citizens with electric power and begin the recovery process," he added. "We appreciate your efforts as our neighbors in our time of need."
After thanking the workers, Governor Christie proclaimed the date Dec. 5 as New Jersey's Canadian Utility Workers Appreciation Day.
Later that day, the governor met with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The two sat down for a meeting held in Ottawa and talked about fostering a stronger relationship between the U.S. and Canada, according to The Globe and Mail.
"The Prime Minister and I had a wonderful conversation, and it was a great honor for me to meet him and to be here in Canada and to express to him the same things that I have expressed throughout my visit here and when I'm in the states," he told reporters at the scene.
"We have a fabulous relationship with Canada, we should make it even stronger and I admire the Prime Minister greatly for the leadership he's providing here in Canada," Christie added.
