For Democrats, it's a convention script made in Hollywood: a dynamic man succeeds against all odds to inspire millions and possibly lead America into a new era of politics. Along the way, Barack Obama makes history as the first black American presidential candidate in history.

"We have to remember that 50 years ago blacks couldn't ride on the same bus as whites," says executive director Norman Leach of the American Chamber of Commerce, Canada West division."This is important to Canada, the U.S and the rest of the world."

Raised by a single mom and then his grandparents, Obama represents a life experience that's common to millions of his fellow Americans. But his leadership and oratory skills may be a once in a generation thing.

"I think that Barack Obama for me is kind of the JFK of our generation," US citizen Jim Rowling says. "I don't remember a president that has inspired me or my friends and associates the way that Obama can do, and has done."

Dates for the Democratic convention were set well in advance of the primary season so there's a serendipity to Mr. Obama's coronation that almost feels like fate.

He'll accept his party's nomination exactly 45 years after Martin Luther King's famous 'I Have a Dream' speech.