The President of the European Commission has a special place in her heart for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Ursula von der Leyen, who is in St. John’s for the Canada-European Union summit, says her family already has a connection to the province.

On September 11, 2001, her husband was flying to a cardiologist conference in Washington, D.C., when their plane was grounded due to the terrorist attacks in New York City. Von der Leyen says she was on the verge of a breakdown when she got a call from her husband saying he was safe in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Her husband remained in Gander for five days and he stayed at a sporting complex, where mounds of food was waiting for them. He was offered a shower and change of clothes by someone in the community.

She says her husband’s story speaks to the generosity of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, and led a toast to the province.