The new Canadian PM "reaffirmed his expectation for the government to work closely with the Jewish community" during a call with CIJA chair David Cape
Showing posts with label Canada and Foreign Policy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canada and Foreign Policy. Show all posts
04 November 2015
20 October 2015
Al Jazeera English Inside Story: Will Trudeau's victory make a change in Canada?
Al Jazeera English has uploaded Inside Story- Will Trudeau's victory make a change in Canada?
Al Jazeera English
Guests:
Jonathan Kay - Editor of the Walrus Magazine.
Josh Wingrove - Parliamentary Reporter for Bloomberg News.
Haroon Siddiqui - Columnist for the Toronto Star.
30 September 2015
07 January 2015
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada: Diplomatic Appointments
To view this document on the department website, please click on the following link:
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2015/01/06b.aspx
Diplomatic Appointments
January 6, 2015 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced the following diplomatic appointments:
Michelle d'Auray becomes Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, in Paris, on January 21, 2015.
Marina Laker becomes High Commissioner in Brunei Darussalam.
Sara Wilshaw becomes Consul General in Dallas (United States of America).
Biographical notes on the appointees follow.
- 30 -For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @CanadaFP
Like us on Facebook: Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada-DFATD
Biographical Notes
Michelle d'Auray headed Canada's then-largest advocacy organization for cultural industries and the arts from 1985 to 1989. Ms. d'Auray started her career in the public service in 1990 at the National Film Board of Canada as director of the Corporate Affairs, Distribution and Communications Division. From 1994 to 1996, she headed the Privy Council of Canada's Intergovernmental Communications Secretariat and from 1996 to 1997 was director general of communications for Industry Canada. In 1998, she headed the Government of Canada's Task Force on Electronic Commerce at Industry Canada and was responsible for the organization in Canada of the 1998 OECD Ministerial Conference on Electronic Commerce. This was followed by positions at Canadian Heritage as assistant deputy minister of strategic management (1999 to 2000) and at Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (2000 to 2004), where she headed the Government of Canada's on-line initiative that made Canada a world leader in electronic service delivery. Ms. d'Auray has over 10 years' experience in deputy minister-level positions: as president of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec (2004 to 2007); as the first woman deputy minister at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (2007 to 2009); as the first chief human resources officer for the Government of Canada (2009); as the first woman secretary to the Treasury Board (2009 to 2012), where she oversaw the one-year comprehensive expenditure review for the Government of Canada; and, since November 2012, as deputy minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada. Ms. d'Auray succeeds Judith A. LaRocque.
Marina Laker (BA [Creative Writing], Concordia University, 1985) worked for seven years as vice president and managing director of Canadian Soccer Supply Co. Ltd. before joining External Affairs and International Trade Canada in 1992. First posted as second secretary (political) and executive assistant to the ambassador to Canada's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City, she subsequently served as counsellor (political) in Damascus with concurrent accreditation to the Republic of Cyprus, counsellor (political) in Berlin and, most recently, as counsellor (political) in Kabul. In Ottawa, Ms. Laker's positions have included deputy director of the Non-proliferation, Arms Control and Disarmament Division and director of the Peacekeeping and Peace Operations Group in the Stabilization and Reconstruction Task Force. She has also led Canadian delegations to multilateral peacekeeping consultations and to the Australia Group, which works to prevent the spread of chemical and biological weapons. She is married to Mitchell Lunge, and they have two grown children: Melissa and Westley.
Sara Wilshaw (BA [International Relations and Economics], York University, 1995) worked for Customs and Revenue Canada and Statistics Canada prior to joining the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 1996. Ms. Wilshaw's postings abroad have included first secretary in Tokyo and counsellor at Canada's Permanent Mission to the World Trade Organization in Geneva. In Ottawa, Ms. Wilshaw has held the positions of trade commissioner in the North Asia Commercial Relations Division, senior policy officer in the Multilateral Trade Policy Division, assignment officer in the Assignments and Pool Management Division, executive director of the Strategic Policy Division, director of the Innovation Science and Technology Division and of the Trade Commissioner Service Support Division, and director general of the Office of the Chief Trade Commissioner. Ms. Wilshaw served most recently as minister (commercial) at the Canadian high commission in India. Ms. Wilshaw succeeds Paula Caldwell.
04 January 2015
Canada's Strong Voice in the World: Baird Reflects on 2014 - DFATD
To view this document on the department website, please click on the following link:
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2014/12/27a.aspx
Canada's Strong Voice in the World: Baird Reflects on 2014
December 27, 2014 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today released the following statement reflecting on 2014 and on Canada's foreign policy:
"The end of 2014 marks the close of an unprecedented year in the fight for freedom and security around the world. We saw Russia rip up international law and use a military invasion to annex part of a sovereign nation. We saw the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant [ISIL] and all its gruesome brutality spread like a cancer through Iraq and Syria. And we saw Hamas terrorists try to instill fear in the Israeli people by deliberately targeting civilians with thousands of rockets and mortar shells through the air and with tunnels of terror underground.
"Canada has always approached global challenges from a principled position. We believe that the Kremlin's expansionism flies in the face of decades of international order and must be confronted. This is why Canada has answered Ukrainians' calls for help in maintaining their freedom and democracy and why Canada has led efforts to isolate Russia economically and politically. We believe that ISIL's actions against innocent civilians in Iraq and Syria, including members of religious and ethnic minorities, are barbaric. ISIL's expansion is a threat to international peace and security, and to Canada and Canadians. This is why Canada has joined the international coalition fighting against ISIL in Iraq, it is why we have worked to protect religious minorities and it is why we have delivered much-needed humanitarian assistance to those fleeing the violence in Iraq and Syria. And we believe that there is no moral equivalence between liberal democracies and terrorist groups, which is why we have strongly supported Israel's right to defend itself by itself.
"But while the world may seem more tumultuous than ever, there have been rays of hope and progress from all corners. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Canada is saving the lives of millions of mothers and children across the globe with the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Initiative. Canada has also led the charge at the UN and around the world in the cause of ending child, early and forced marriage and on standing with the people of Iran and North Korea. Elsewhere—from Burma to Tunisia to Afghanistan and places in between—Canada has nurtured the flame of democracy so that others may enjoy the freedoms that we in Canada are blessed with.
"Canadians can be proud of the role their country has played around the world in 2014. We have stood up strongly abroad for Canadian values and interests and the principles that make our country strong and free and the envy of the world."
- 30 -For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @CanadaFP
Like us on Facebook: Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada-DFATD
28 July 2014
Huffington Post: Dear Stephen Harper, Eid Mubarak
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/shahla-khan-salter/dear-stephen-harper-eid-mubarak_b_5625566.html
Dear Prime Minister Harper,
In the past month the world has witnessed thousands suffer in Gaza, Iraq and Syria, forced to flee their homes and/or face massacres. We have watched ISIS terrorists take over huge swathes of land in Iraq and head into Syria, killing thousands and implementing cruel and barbaric laws. And we have witnessed Israel bomb Gaza while Palestinians, including many children, have been injured or lost their lives.
The non-profit I represent, Universalist Muslims, alongside our partners -- other small, inclusive, egalitarian, Muslim community organizations -- around the globe, speak out for all who suffer, demanding justice and human rights for everyone, regardless of faith and target the oppressive policies of all those instituting them, regardless of grounds.
As a result, I have written to you in the past seeking help for: Christians in Pakistan, Shia minorities throughout the Muslim world, Canadians imprisoned in Iran, women stranded in Saudi Arabia and many others.
Most recently I asked you to speak up for Raif Badawi, a secularist and Saudi human rights defender, sentenced to 1000 lashes, 10 years in jail and a fine of approximately $260,000. A Saudi court convicted Mr. Badawi of insulting Islam because he published a website in which he asked Saudi Arabian authorities the reason it fails to allow women rights, Christians churches and continues to enforce medieval apostasy laws. Since Mr. Badawi's arrest in 2012, other Saudi human rights defenders have been imprisoned by the Saudi authorities as well, including his lawyer, head of the Saudi Human Rights Monitor, Waleed Abulkhair. Recently, Mr. Abulkhair was sentenced to 15 years in jail for the "crime" of "undermining the regime." It is reported by human rights organizations that Saudi Arabia is using its new policy, which mandates that all unbelievers are terrorists, to quash dissent.
You may have heard of Mr. Badawi from Canada's UN Human Rights Council delegation. It may have not made the headlines here, but recently Canada was one of a few countries, who demanded that the representative from The Centre for Inquiry, a US non-profit NGO, be allowed to raise Mr. Badawi's case there, after a motion to block was made by Saudi Arabia, who is surprisingly also a member. Mr. Badawi's case has also been raised in public statements by NDP MPs, such as Pierre Luc Dusseault and Wayne Marston.
But you have made no public statement at all respecting Mr. Badawi, notwithstanding that his wife, Ensaf Haider and their three children live here in Canada and badly need your help.
Why not? Is it because Canada needs Saudi oil? Is it because we need the jobs created by manufacturing light-armoured vehicles for Saudi Arabia?
Are you afraid to offend Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Harper?
Perhaps that is a risk worth taking.
After all, Saudi authorities and their friends in the Gulf have allowed the world to become a more dangerous place by failing to stop a few of its citizens from bank rolling terrorist organizations, including ISIS. And last week ISIS marked the homes of Christians in Iraq, whose families have lived there for two thousand years, outrageously demanding they convert, vacate or be killed. Do you believe the values of ISIS differ from those of the authorities of Saudi Arabia? Hardly. - So why stay silent?
One reason for my concern, Prime Minister Harper, is that like you, I am a parent. And in case you have not been advised, what is happening to children in the region right now is the worst nightmare of any parent. My heart goes out to parents like this Syrian mother:
(Zein-Al Rifai/AFP)
Children have paid the price in Syria and continue to in that country, with at least 8,607 children killed since the war began in 2011. They have been murdered in Iraq for more than a decade and will continue to be killed in greater numbers, once again under the regime of ISIS. (It is estimated that more than 5,000 people have been killed by ISIS already this year.)
And most recently, the world has watched in horror as the bodies of children are lifted from the rubble in Gaza.
The world grieves while children bear the brunt of the carnage throughout the region.
And, what compounds our grief is that most world leaders are doing nothing to save them.
We must do more in the name of humanity Prime Minister Harper. It is sad that Canada has taken so few refugees from Syria, since 2011. And your recent statement that Israel has a right to defend itself, in light of that country's atrocious actions and policies, inspires no one, except those who are blind to the humanity of children and their parents.
Prime Minister Harper, I love Canada. We are blessed to raise our children here.
But the world is small and interconnected. It means we must speak out and remain on the side of compassion and love, even if at times, there is a price.
After all, we must not be selective in our humanity.
Eid Mubarak.
Dear Prime Minister Harper,
In the past month the world has witnessed thousands suffer in Gaza, Iraq and Syria, forced to flee their homes and/or face massacres. We have watched ISIS terrorists take over huge swathes of land in Iraq and head into Syria, killing thousands and implementing cruel and barbaric laws. And we have witnessed Israel bomb Gaza while Palestinians, including many children, have been injured or lost their lives.
The non-profit I represent, Universalist Muslims, alongside our partners -- other small, inclusive, egalitarian, Muslim community organizations -- around the globe, speak out for all who suffer, demanding justice and human rights for everyone, regardless of faith and target the oppressive policies of all those instituting them, regardless of grounds.
As a result, I have written to you in the past seeking help for: Christians in Pakistan, Shia minorities throughout the Muslim world, Canadians imprisoned in Iran, women stranded in Saudi Arabia and many others.
Most recently I asked you to speak up for Raif Badawi, a secularist and Saudi human rights defender, sentenced to 1000 lashes, 10 years in jail and a fine of approximately $260,000. A Saudi court convicted Mr. Badawi of insulting Islam because he published a website in which he asked Saudi Arabian authorities the reason it fails to allow women rights, Christians churches and continues to enforce medieval apostasy laws. Since Mr. Badawi's arrest in 2012, other Saudi human rights defenders have been imprisoned by the Saudi authorities as well, including his lawyer, head of the Saudi Human Rights Monitor, Waleed Abulkhair. Recently, Mr. Abulkhair was sentenced to 15 years in jail for the "crime" of "undermining the regime." It is reported by human rights organizations that Saudi Arabia is using its new policy, which mandates that all unbelievers are terrorists, to quash dissent.
You may have heard of Mr. Badawi from Canada's UN Human Rights Council delegation. It may have not made the headlines here, but recently Canada was one of a few countries, who demanded that the representative from The Centre for Inquiry, a US non-profit NGO, be allowed to raise Mr. Badawi's case there, after a motion to block was made by Saudi Arabia, who is surprisingly also a member. Mr. Badawi's case has also been raised in public statements by NDP MPs, such as Pierre Luc Dusseault and Wayne Marston.
But you have made no public statement at all respecting Mr. Badawi, notwithstanding that his wife, Ensaf Haider and their three children live here in Canada and badly need your help.
Why not? Is it because Canada needs Saudi oil? Is it because we need the jobs created by manufacturing light-armoured vehicles for Saudi Arabia?
Are you afraid to offend Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Harper?
Perhaps that is a risk worth taking.
After all, Saudi authorities and their friends in the Gulf have allowed the world to become a more dangerous place by failing to stop a few of its citizens from bank rolling terrorist organizations, including ISIS. And last week ISIS marked the homes of Christians in Iraq, whose families have lived there for two thousand years, outrageously demanding they convert, vacate or be killed. Do you believe the values of ISIS differ from those of the authorities of Saudi Arabia? Hardly. - So why stay silent?
One reason for my concern, Prime Minister Harper, is that like you, I am a parent. And in case you have not been advised, what is happening to children in the region right now is the worst nightmare of any parent. My heart goes out to parents like this Syrian mother:
Children have paid the price in Syria and continue to in that country, with at least 8,607 children killed since the war began in 2011. They have been murdered in Iraq for more than a decade and will continue to be killed in greater numbers, once again under the regime of ISIS. (It is estimated that more than 5,000 people have been killed by ISIS already this year.)
And most recently, the world has watched in horror as the bodies of children are lifted from the rubble in Gaza.
The world grieves while children bear the brunt of the carnage throughout the region.
And, what compounds our grief is that most world leaders are doing nothing to save them.
We must do more in the name of humanity Prime Minister Harper. It is sad that Canada has taken so few refugees from Syria, since 2011. And your recent statement that Israel has a right to defend itself, in light of that country's atrocious actions and policies, inspires no one, except those who are blind to the humanity of children and their parents.
Prime Minister Harper, I love Canada. We are blessed to raise our children here.
But the world is small and interconnected. It means we must speak out and remain on the side of compassion and love, even if at times, there is a price.
After all, we must not be selective in our humanity.
Eid Mubarak.
13 April 2014
Government of Canada: Canada and the United Kingdom
Source:
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/united_kingdom-royaume_uni/bilateral_relations_bilaterales/index.aspx?lang=eng
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/united_kingdom-royaume_uni/bilateral_relations_bilaterales/index.aspx?lang=eng
Canada and the United Kingdom
Canada and the United Kingdom continue to have a profound, positive influence on each other. The two countries share a sovereign, and both have among the oldest continuous traditions of parliamentary democracy.
Signed in Ottawa by Prime Ministers Harper and Cameron on September 22, 2011 - outlined the enduring strength of that relationship and the ongoing cooperation between the two countries.Primary navigation
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Government of Canada: Canada-Israel Relations
Source: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/israel/bilateral_relations_bilaterales/index.aspx?lang=eng&view=d
In Israel, Canada is represented by the Embassy of Canada in Tel Aviv.
Israel is represented in Canada by an embassy in Ottawa. Israel also has consulates in Montreal and Toronto.
Canada and Israel have strong, multidimensional bilateral relations, marked by close political, economic, social and cultural ties. Support for Israel, especially its right to live in peace and security with its neighbours, has been at the core of Canada's Middle East policy since 1948. The relationship has been strengthened in recent years as evidenced by increased cooperation in several areas, including public security, defence, trade and investment, and the increased frequency of ministerial visits. Canada and Israel marked 60 years of diplomatic relations on May 11, 2009. On this occasion, Prime Minister Stephen Harper stated: “At the heart of relations between Canada and Israel is the dynamism of our shared communities. We look forward to the next 60 years and beyond.”
One of the underlying strengths of the Canada-Israel bilateral relationship lies in the extensive people-to-people ties. There are approximately 20,000 Canadian citizens living in Israel and many Canadians have family in Israel. The Canadian Jewish community, which stands at around 350,000, acts as an important bridge between Canada and Israel. These informal ties give rise to significant cooperation between our two countries in business, philanthropy and tourism.
There is a strong relationship between the Canadian and Israeli legal communities, which has resulted in regular visits by jurists and judges, as well as frequent use of Canadian legal precedents in Israeli court decisions. Canada and Israel have an active program of professional and academic exchanges, with many Canadian artists visiting Israel. A cultural and education Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in 1999.
Frequent ministerial visits in both directions are a feature of Canada-Israel relations. Most recently, Canada’s Minister of National Defence, Peter MacKay visited in January 2011 to sign an MOU on defence relations with his Israeli counterpart. International Trade Minister Peter Van Loan visited Israel in October 2010. Former Transportation Minister John Baird visited Israel in March 2010. Former Treasury Board Secretariat Minister Vic Toews visited Israel in January 2010. Industry Minister Tony Clement went to Israel in November 2009. Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon visited in March and again in October 2009 (when he attended the second Israel Presidential Conference, Facing Tomorrow 2009). In addition, Chief Justice McLachlin visited Israel in September 2009. In May 2009, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney visited Israel to mark the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations. From Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Ottawa in May 2010. Minister of Defence Ehud Barak attended the annual Halifax International Security Forum in November 2010. Minister of Finance Yuval Steinitz visited Canada in February 2010. Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman visited Canada in June 2009.
Canada and Israel have a number of bilateral agreements in place, including one on Film and Videotape Production and on Mutual Legal Assistance. There are also a number of sub-national agreements between Israel and certain provinces, including Manitoba and Ontario.
Various bilateral agreements support Canada’s commercial relations with Israel. These include the Double Taxation Agreement (1977), the Canadian Space Agency - Israeli Space Agency MOU for Space Cooperation (March 2005), and the Canada-Israel Industrial Research and Development Foundation (CIIRDF - based on a MOU and renewed in March 2006, with a $1 million annual contribution each from Canada and Israel).
The Canada-Israel Industrial Research and Development Foundation (CIIRDF) is a binational organization established in 1994 that promotes industrial collaborative research and development projects in innovative technologies that have the potential for commercialization. It provides partnership facilitation services as well as the opportunity of potential funding support for joint industrial R&D collaborations. It has also developed close linkages between a large number of technology-based firms in Canada and Israel and encourages the participation of the academic and government research communities. The experience gained and the successes achieved under CIIRDF provided a useful model for DFAIT's International Science and Technology Partnerships Program (ISTPP).
Canada's diversified bilateral trade with Israel reflects the sophistication of both economies. Israel is Canada’s fourth largest merchandise export market in the Middle East and North Africa. 2011 marks the 14th Anniversary of the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA), a goods-only agreement. Bilateral merchandise trade has more than tripled since the CIFTA’s implementation in 1997 from $507.3 million in 1996, to a record high of $1.8 billion in 2008.
Canada’s top exports to Israel are machinery, electrical machinery, paper and newsprint, plastics, wood, and aluminium. Canada’s top imports from Israel are pharmaceutical products, electrical machinery, precious stones and metals, machinery, optical equipment, and organic chemicals.
Export Development Canada (EDC) offers all of its products and services (insurance, financing and bonding) in Israel. Israel is rated as investment grade by three international rating agencies.
March 2011
Canada-Israel Relations
- Fact Sheet: HTML Version | PDF Version * (118 KB)
In Israel, Canada is represented by the Embassy of Canada in Tel Aviv.
Israel is represented in Canada by an embassy in Ottawa. Israel also has consulates in Montreal and Toronto.
Canada and Israel have strong, multidimensional bilateral relations, marked by close political, economic, social and cultural ties. Support for Israel, especially its right to live in peace and security with its neighbours, has been at the core of Canada's Middle East policy since 1948. The relationship has been strengthened in recent years as evidenced by increased cooperation in several areas, including public security, defence, trade and investment, and the increased frequency of ministerial visits. Canada and Israel marked 60 years of diplomatic relations on May 11, 2009. On this occasion, Prime Minister Stephen Harper stated: “At the heart of relations between Canada and Israel is the dynamism of our shared communities. We look forward to the next 60 years and beyond.”
One of the underlying strengths of the Canada-Israel bilateral relationship lies in the extensive people-to-people ties. There are approximately 20,000 Canadian citizens living in Israel and many Canadians have family in Israel. The Canadian Jewish community, which stands at around 350,000, acts as an important bridge between Canada and Israel. These informal ties give rise to significant cooperation between our two countries in business, philanthropy and tourism.
There is a strong relationship between the Canadian and Israeli legal communities, which has resulted in regular visits by jurists and judges, as well as frequent use of Canadian legal precedents in Israeli court decisions. Canada and Israel have an active program of professional and academic exchanges, with many Canadian artists visiting Israel. A cultural and education Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in 1999.
Frequent ministerial visits in both directions are a feature of Canada-Israel relations. Most recently, Canada’s Minister of National Defence, Peter MacKay visited in January 2011 to sign an MOU on defence relations with his Israeli counterpart. International Trade Minister Peter Van Loan visited Israel in October 2010. Former Transportation Minister John Baird visited Israel in March 2010. Former Treasury Board Secretariat Minister Vic Toews visited Israel in January 2010. Industry Minister Tony Clement went to Israel in November 2009. Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon visited in March and again in October 2009 (when he attended the second Israel Presidential Conference, Facing Tomorrow 2009). In addition, Chief Justice McLachlin visited Israel in September 2009. In May 2009, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney visited Israel to mark the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations. From Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Ottawa in May 2010. Minister of Defence Ehud Barak attended the annual Halifax International Security Forum in November 2010. Minister of Finance Yuval Steinitz visited Canada in February 2010. Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman visited Canada in June 2009.
Canada and Israel have a number of bilateral agreements in place, including one on Film and Videotape Production and on Mutual Legal Assistance. There are also a number of sub-national agreements between Israel and certain provinces, including Manitoba and Ontario.
Various bilateral agreements support Canada’s commercial relations with Israel. These include the Double Taxation Agreement (1977), the Canadian Space Agency - Israeli Space Agency MOU for Space Cooperation (March 2005), and the Canada-Israel Industrial Research and Development Foundation (CIIRDF - based on a MOU and renewed in March 2006, with a $1 million annual contribution each from Canada and Israel).
The Canada-Israel Industrial Research and Development Foundation (CIIRDF) is a binational organization established in 1994 that promotes industrial collaborative research and development projects in innovative technologies that have the potential for commercialization. It provides partnership facilitation services as well as the opportunity of potential funding support for joint industrial R&D collaborations. It has also developed close linkages between a large number of technology-based firms in Canada and Israel and encourages the participation of the academic and government research communities. The experience gained and the successes achieved under CIIRDF provided a useful model for DFAIT's International Science and Technology Partnerships Program (ISTPP).
Canada's diversified bilateral trade with Israel reflects the sophistication of both economies. Israel is Canada’s fourth largest merchandise export market in the Middle East and North Africa. 2011 marks the 14th Anniversary of the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA), a goods-only agreement. Bilateral merchandise trade has more than tripled since the CIFTA’s implementation in 1997 from $507.3 million in 1996, to a record high of $1.8 billion in 2008.
Canada’s top exports to Israel are machinery, electrical machinery, paper and newsprint, plastics, wood, and aluminium. Canada’s top imports from Israel are pharmaceutical products, electrical machinery, precious stones and metals, machinery, optical equipment, and organic chemicals.
Export Development Canada (EDC) offers all of its products and services (insurance, financing and bonding) in Israel. Israel is rated as investment grade by three international rating agencies.
March 2011
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada: Minister of State Uppal to Announce New Policy Allowing Wearing of Sikh Kirpans in Canadian Missions Abroad
To view this document on the department website, please click on the following link:
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/advisories-avis/2014/04/13a.aspx
Minister of State Uppal to Announce New Policy Allowing Wearing of Sikh Kirpans in Canadian Missions Abroad
April 13, 2014 - The Honourable Tim Uppal, Minister of State (Multiculturalism), on behalf of Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird, will hold a media availability to announce a new policy to allow the wearing of Sikh kirpans in Canadian missions abroad.
Event: Media availability
Date: Monday, April 14, 2014
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Khalsa Community School, 69 Maitland Street, Brampton, Ontario
For more information, please contact:
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATDCanada
Government of Canada: Canada-Ireland Relations
Source: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/ireland-irlande/bilateral_relations_bilaterales/canada-ireland-irlande.aspx?lang=eng
Internationally, Canada and Ireland collaborate closely at the United Nations, in the Human Security Network and other international fora to advance our strong commitment to multilateralism, peacekeeping and development assistance - particularly with respect to Africa. Both Ireland and Canada were leaders in building international support for the Ottawa treaty to ban landmines.
Canada-Ireland interparliamentary relations have been particularly active since March, 1998. The Ireland-Canada interparliamentary group is the largest such entity in Canada's Parliament. High level visits and business missions traditionally have constituted a key element in the Canada-Ireland relationship.
Canada and Ireland are party to several bilateral treaties, including a Double Taxation Treaty (2005), a Social Security Agreement (1992), and a Film and Video Relations Agreement (1989).
A Blue Skies air agreement was signed between Ireland and Canada in April, 2007. It will allow Canadian and Irish air carriers to provide services between any city in Canada and Ireland. Canadian carriers will be allowed to use Ireland as a platform to serve a third country and vice versa.
The Working Holiday Program (WHP) agreement, signed by both governments in 2003, has proved an effective vehicle for strengthening ties between Canadian and Irish youth. This initiative gives young adults (under 35 years of age) from both countries an opportunity to work and/or vacation in each others' country. The WHP complements the existing Student Work Abroad Program (SWAP) that has been in operation for over a decade.
July 2009
Canada-Ireland Relations
Internationally, Canada and Ireland collaborate closely at the United Nations, in the Human Security Network and other international fora to advance our strong commitment to multilateralism, peacekeeping and development assistance - particularly with respect to Africa. Both Ireland and Canada were leaders in building international support for the Ottawa treaty to ban landmines.
Canada-Ireland interparliamentary relations have been particularly active since March, 1998. The Ireland-Canada interparliamentary group is the largest such entity in Canada's Parliament. High level visits and business missions traditionally have constituted a key element in the Canada-Ireland relationship.
Canada and Ireland are party to several bilateral treaties, including a Double Taxation Treaty (2005), a Social Security Agreement (1992), and a Film and Video Relations Agreement (1989).
A Blue Skies air agreement was signed between Ireland and Canada in April, 2007. It will allow Canadian and Irish air carriers to provide services between any city in Canada and Ireland. Canadian carriers will be allowed to use Ireland as a platform to serve a third country and vice versa.
The Working Holiday Program (WHP) agreement, signed by both governments in 2003, has proved an effective vehicle for strengthening ties between Canadian and Irish youth. This initiative gives young adults (under 35 years of age) from both countries an opportunity to work and/or vacation in each others' country. The WHP complements the existing Student Work Abroad Program (SWAP) that has been in operation for over a decade.
July 2009
10 April 2014
PM announces initiatives to strengthen Canada-Peru defence and security relations Ottawa, Ontario
Source: http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2014/04/10/pm-announces-initiatives-strengthen-canada-peru-defence-and-security-relations
PM announces initiatives to strengthen Canada-Peru defence and security relations Ottawa, Ontario
10 April 2014 Introduction Prime Minister Stephen Harper together with His Excellency Ollanta Humala Tasso, President of the Republic of Peru, today announced two initiatives that will bolster defence and security relations between Canada and Peru. The announcement was made during President Humala’s State Visit to Canada from April 8 to 11, 2014. More specifically, the leaders announced that Peru’s membership status within Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP) has been upgraded to Category “A”, effective immediately. As a Category “A” member country of the MTCP, Peru will gain access to the full spectrum of the program's training activities, including opportunities to participate in courses offered to senior officers at the CanadianStaffCollege in Toronto. Prime Minister Harper and President Humala also announced that Canada and Peru will work together to strengthen international efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of nuclear and radiological materials. This cooperation project, which will enhance Peru’s capacity to detect and deter the transfer of nuclear and radiological materials, will be supported by funds that Prime Minister Harper committed towards fighting nuclear terrorism at the March 2014 Nuclear Security Summit. Today’s announcements are consistent with Canada’s commitment to work with partners to strengthen defence, security and institutions in the region, as part of its Strategy for Engagement in the Americas. Quick Facts Defence relations between Canada and Peru are positive and growing, as evidenced by the signing in March 2013 of a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation, which provides strategic direction to our bilateral defence relations. It is expected that our bilateral defence relations with Peru will grow in areas such as material procurement, the strengthening of civil-military relations, and cooperation in the context of hemispheric defence institutions such as the Conference of Defence Ministers of the Americas (CDMA), which Peru will host in 2014. The Department of National Defence’s MTCP coordinates and provides training to foreign militaries among developing non-NATO countries. Since Peru's admission to the MTCP in 2005, 88 Peruvian officers have been trained under the auspices of the program. In 2014-2015, because of its upgrade to Category “A”, Peru will be offered 21 positions on MTCP courses in operations training, English language training and civil-military relations training. Canada’s Global Partnership Program is the main mechanism through which Canada supports international efforts to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and related terrorism. Since its establishment in 2002, the Program has provided roughly $970 million for programming to reduce the threat of WMD terrorism. Quote“Canada and Peru enjoy an enduring friendship and growing bilateral relations based on mutual engagement and commitment to regional stability, security and prosperity in the Americas. Today’s announcements will further strengthen defence and security cooperation between our two countries as we continue to work towards these important goals.”
– Prime Minister Stephen Harper Related Products Canada-Peru Defence Relations Canada-Peru Security Relations -
See more at: http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2014/04/10/pm-announces-initiatives-strengthen-canada-peru-defence-and-security-relations#sthash.Dcsh5sCX.dpuf
PM announces initiatives to strengthen Canada-Peru defence and security relations Ottawa, Ontario
10 April 2014 Introduction Prime Minister Stephen Harper together with His Excellency Ollanta Humala Tasso, President of the Republic of Peru, today announced two initiatives that will bolster defence and security relations between Canada and Peru. The announcement was made during President Humala’s State Visit to Canada from April 8 to 11, 2014. More specifically, the leaders announced that Peru’s membership status within Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP) has been upgraded to Category “A”, effective immediately. As a Category “A” member country of the MTCP, Peru will gain access to the full spectrum of the program's training activities, including opportunities to participate in courses offered to senior officers at the CanadianStaffCollege in Toronto. Prime Minister Harper and President Humala also announced that Canada and Peru will work together to strengthen international efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of nuclear and radiological materials. This cooperation project, which will enhance Peru’s capacity to detect and deter the transfer of nuclear and radiological materials, will be supported by funds that Prime Minister Harper committed towards fighting nuclear terrorism at the March 2014 Nuclear Security Summit. Today’s announcements are consistent with Canada’s commitment to work with partners to strengthen defence, security and institutions in the region, as part of its Strategy for Engagement in the Americas. Quick Facts Defence relations between Canada and Peru are positive and growing, as evidenced by the signing in March 2013 of a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation, which provides strategic direction to our bilateral defence relations. It is expected that our bilateral defence relations with Peru will grow in areas such as material procurement, the strengthening of civil-military relations, and cooperation in the context of hemispheric defence institutions such as the Conference of Defence Ministers of the Americas (CDMA), which Peru will host in 2014. The Department of National Defence’s MTCP coordinates and provides training to foreign militaries among developing non-NATO countries. Since Peru's admission to the MTCP in 2005, 88 Peruvian officers have been trained under the auspices of the program. In 2014-2015, because of its upgrade to Category “A”, Peru will be offered 21 positions on MTCP courses in operations training, English language training and civil-military relations training. Canada’s Global Partnership Program is the main mechanism through which Canada supports international efforts to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and related terrorism. Since its establishment in 2002, the Program has provided roughly $970 million for programming to reduce the threat of WMD terrorism. Quote“Canada and Peru enjoy an enduring friendship and growing bilateral relations based on mutual engagement and commitment to regional stability, security and prosperity in the Americas. Today’s announcements will further strengthen defence and security cooperation between our two countries as we continue to work towards these important goals.”
– Prime Minister Stephen Harper Related Products Canada-Peru Defence Relations Canada-Peru Security Relations -
See more at: http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2014/04/10/pm-announces-initiatives-strengthen-canada-peru-defence-and-security-relations#sthash.Dcsh5sCX.dpuf
04 April 2014
Baird Calls on Israelis and Palestinians to Recommit Themselves to Kerry Pe?= ace Initiative
To view this document on the department website, please click on the following link:
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2014/04/03a.aspx
Baird Calls on Israelis and Palestinians to Recommit Themselves to Kerry Peace Initiative
April 3, 2014 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:
"In light of recent reports that the Palestinian Authority has taken unilateral steps in seeking further international recognition, I feel compelled to express my serious concern and opposition to this development.
"Canada urges both the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli government to recommit themselves to the negotiations and to refrain from taking unilateral actions that risk derailing the talks.
"American leadership, and the concerted efforts by Secretary of State John Kerry to mediate an agreement between Israelis and Palestinians, presents the best opportunity toward achieving a just and lasting peace.
"There is no doubt that the two parties to these negotiations will have to make serious and difficult compromises to move the process forward at this critical juncture. It would be a tragedy to miss this historic opportunity.
"Canada believes strongly in a two-state solution, one that sees a future Palestinian state and a Jewish state living side by side in peace and security. We call on both parties to redouble their efforts in achieving this end and the many beneficial opportunities that can follow."
- 30 -For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
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27 March 2014
Reminder - Remembering Our Past, Preparing for Our Future
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http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/advisories-avis/2014/03/26a.aspx
Reminder - Remembering Our Past, Preparing for Our Future
Modernizing Canadian diplomacy for the 21st century
March 26, 2014 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird will speak on the foreign policy legacy of former Prime Minister John G. Diefenbaker and how Canada is building a modern diplomacy for the 21st century.
The speech will be delivered to an audience of Canadian diplomats and colleagues at Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada, as well as other stakeholders, students and academics.
Baird will use this opportunity to launch volume 29 of the series "Documents on Canadian External Relations"—the final volume chronicling Diefenbaker's foreign policy during his tenure as Canada's 13th prime minister.
The speech will be webcast live on the department's Internet site.
Event 1: Speech: "Remembering Our Past, Preparing for Our Future"
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2014
Time: 10:30 a.m. ET
Location: Cadieux Auditorium, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada, 125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario
Event 2: Media availability
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2014
Time: 11:20 a.m. ET
Location: Lobby, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada, 125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario
Please note that this event is open only to journalists accredited with the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery.
For more information, please contact:
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATDCanada
news-nouvelles@international.gc.ca: Canada Recognizes Experience of Jewish Refugees
To view this document on the department website, please click on the following link:
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2014/03/26a.aspx
Canada Recognizes Experience of Jewish Refugees
March 26, 2014 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement after the House of Commons concurred with the recommendations in the report by the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development to recognize the experience of Jewish refugees from the Middle East and North Africa:
"I am pleased that the House of Commons agreed with the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, which is supported by the Government of Canada, and officially recognizes the experience of Jewish refugees who were displaced from states in the Middle East and North Africa after 1948.
"Fair and equal acknowledgement of all refugee populations arising out of the Arab-Israeli conflict requires the recognition of Jewish refugees. Such recognition does not diminish or compete with the situation of Palestinian refugees.
"The Government of Canada agrees in principle with the committee's second recommendation, that the experience of Jewish refugees should be taken into consideration as a part of any just and comprehensive peace deal, however, we believe that the peace process as it is currently structured offers the best hope for a positive solution.
"I thank the committee for its efforts and its continuing interest in the issues of human rights and religious freedom in the Middle East and North Africa.
"Canada continues to advocate for a comprehensive, two-state solution reached through a negotiated agreement between the two parties that guarantees Israel's right to live in peace and security with its neighbours and leads to the establishment of a viable and independent Palestinian state."
- 30 -For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATDCanada
Canada Completes Sale of Grosvenor Square Property in London
To view this document on the department website, please click on the following link:
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2014/03/27b.aspx
Canada Completes Sale of Grosvenor Square Property in London
March 27, 2014 - Gordon Campbell, Canada's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, today announced the completion of the sale of Macdonald House, Canada's property at One Grosvenor Square in London, England's Mayfair District. The Government of Canada's intention to sell the property was first announced in the House of Commons in November 2013. Contracts were exchanged on November 28, 2013, when the property was acquired by Lodha Group. The purchase price was £306 million, equivalent to C$564.5 today.
The completion of the sale is an important step in Canada's plan to consolidate the Canadian high commission's diplomatic activities in the United Kingdom at Canada House on Trafalgar Square in central London.
"A revitalized Canada House on Trafalgar Square is an ideal location from which to represent Canadian interests and provide our clients with easier access to our services," said Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird. "It will showcase Canada, building on our historic partnership with the United Kingdom, and will reflect Canada in the 21st century.
"The consolidation of our presence in Canada House demonstrates that Canada can have a world-class facility representing Canadians abroad and still offer huge savings to Canadian taxpayers."
"I am pleased that the plans to consolidate our high commission in the United Kingdom into one location are progressing well," said High Commissioner Campbell. "We are looking forward to moving to Canada House, Canada's traditional home in the United Kingdom, at the end of this year."
- 30 -For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
Canadian High Commission
0207 258 6362
christie.tucker@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATDCanada
02 March 2014
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada: Diplomatic Appointment
To view this document on the department website, please click on the following link:
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2014/02/28b.aspx
Diplomatic Appointment
February 28, 2014 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced the following diplomatic appointment:
Ben Rowswell becomes Ambassador to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
A biographical note on the appointee follows.
- 30 -For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATDCanadaBiographical Note
Ben Rowswell (BSc [Foreign Service], Georgetown University, 1993; MPhil [International Relations], Oxford University, 2000) joined External Affairs and International Trade Canada in 1993. In Ottawa, Mr. Rowswell has served as a policy officer for conflict management and peacekeeping and helped develop the Democracy Unit within the department. He has also worked twice in the Privy Council Office: as a policy adviser for the Smart Borders Task Force and as a senior analyst on international issues for the Priorities and Planning Committee. Abroad, Mr. Rowswell has served in New York and Cairo, as chargé d'affaires in Baghdad, as deputy head of mission in Kabul and as Representative of Canada in Kandahar. Most recently, Mr. Rowswell was director of the Gulf States and Regional Trade Division. He is married to Kate Rowswell and they have two children, Ava and Luke. He replaces Paul Gibbard.
Canada Welcomes New Government of Ukraine
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http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2014/02/27a.aspx
Canada Welcomes New Government of Ukraine
February 27, 2014 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:
"Canada welcomes the appointment of a new government today in Ukraine. After the trauma of the past three months and the loss of so many lives, the appointment of a legitimate government is a vital step forward in restoring democracy and normalcy to Ukraine.
"The new government of Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk offers a fresh start. We, along with the international community, expect that Ukraine's sovereignty will be respected and its territorial integrity maintained.
"We look forward to the next steps in Ukraine's regeneration. Meaningful economic reform must be supported by the international community, including through key international financial institutions. Elections in May will consolidate the restoration of democracy.
"We are confident that Ukraine's new leaders know that to succeed, they must stay united, focus on governance, root out corruption and strive for inclusive national policies.
"Canada is proud to stand beside the Ukrainian people in support of their move toward a more democratic government. We will continue to offer Ukrainians every assistance as they continue on the path toward security, democracy and prosperity within Europe."
- 30 -For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATDCanada
Baird Promotes Territorial Integrity and National Unity in Ukraine
To view this document on the department website, please click on the following link:
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2014/02/28a.aspx
Baird Promotes Territorial Integrity and National Unity in Ukraine
February 28, 2014 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today wrapped up a successful mission to Ukraine, where he and the Canadian delegation of parliamentarians and representatives of the Ukrainian community met with key members of the new government.
Baird met with acting president Oleksander Turchynov, Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, acting foreign minister Andriy Deschytsya, Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform leader Vitali Klitschko, All-Ukrainian Union Svoboda leader Oleh Tyahnybok, Chair of the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Group Volodymyr Polochaninov, former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, as well as other opposition and civil society members.
He also met with the major organizers of Maidan civil society, representatives from Ukraine's religious communities including Crimean Tatars, and visited the medical centre at St. Michael's Monastery, where he announced increased financial support for providing medical care to injured protesters.
Members of the Canadian delegation walked through the Maidan and paid their respects to the fallen protesters who died for the cause of democracy. "Their sacrifice in the defence of their democracy and freedom has brought change to this country," said Baird. "They will not be forgotten."
Baird congratulated the new government and emphasized the need to honour the 1994 Budapest Declaration's commitment to Ukraine's territorial sovereignty and national unity at this critical time. He also reiterated Canada's support for Ukraine and its efforts to rebuild the country, including through the International Monetary Fund, following the instability and violence of the last 100 days. Many of his meetings featured discussions on ways to reduce corruption, combat money laundering and manage the financial transition.
"Canada remains committed to working in concert with our allies to develop a plan to assist Ukraine's economic and democratic future," said Baird.
The Canadian delegation consisted of Ted Opitz, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke Centre; James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk—Interlake; Senator Raynell Andreychuk; Victor Hetmanczuk, President and CEO, Canada-Ukraine Foundation; Paul Grod, President, Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC); Taras Zalusky, Executive Director, UCC; and Krystina Waler, board member, Ukrainian Canadian Professionals and Business Association.
For further information and photos, please visit Canada's Response to the Situation in Ukraine.
- 30 -For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATDCanada
20 February 2014
Celebrating International Women's (2014) Day in Canada
I have started the process of booking places in conferences. It is my hope that I get more of a panoramic understanding of the political discourse(s) in Canada.
The period will hopefully help me gleam a wee bit more of the big picture.
This will be helpful in my academic research.
Where appropriate I will post on the events.
- Debra V. Wilson
The period will hopefully help me gleam a wee bit more of the big picture.
This will be helpful in my academic research.
Where appropriate I will post on the events.
- Debra V. Wilson
14 February 2014
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada: Largest Advanced Manufacturing Export Win in Canada's History?=
Canada and Identity:
"This is an Olympic win for Canada and for Canadian manufacturers. It shows how great people in truly innovative companies like GDLS can compete internationally and bring home the gold. Like all victories, it's been the result of a team effort in which the Government has played a crucial role. All Canadians should be proud of this record achievement."
- Jayson Myers, President and CEO, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
Jayson Myers
To view this document on the department website, please click on the following link:
"This is an Olympic win for Canada and for Canadian manufacturers. It shows how great people in truly innovative companies like GDLS can compete internationally and bring home the gold. Like all victories, it's been the result of a team effort in which the Government has played a crucial role. All Canadians should be proud of this record achievement."
- Jayson Myers, President and CEO, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
Jayson Myers
President & CEO at Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters: http://ca.linkedin.com/in/jaysonmyers
To view this document on the department website, please click on the following link:
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/comm/news-communiques/2014/02/14a.aspx---
Largest Advanced Manufacturing Export Win in Canada's History
Manufacturing sector workers and firms to benefit from creation of thousands of jobs across southern Ontario and every region of Canada
February 14, 2014 - London, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, and Danny Deep, Vice President, General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, announced today a historic multi-billion dollar contract win for vehicles and associated equipment, training and support services.
The announcement was made in London, Ontario, where the light armoured vehicles will be designed and manufactured and which will become the epicentre of a cross-Canada supply chain directly benefiting more than 500 local Canadian firms.
This 14-year contract will create and sustain more than 3,000 jobs each year in Canada, with southern Ontario accounting for approximately 40 percent of the supply base.
Facilitated by the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), the Government of Canada's international government-to-government contracting organization, the contract is with Saudi Arabia, a priority market under the government's new Global Markets Action Plan.
Quick Facts
- Minister Fast led trade missions to Saudi Arabia in 2012 and 2013.
- In 2013, Canadian merchandise exports to Saudi Arabia totalled $900 million.
- In 2012, the advanced manufacturing sector contributed an estimated $164.6 billion in GDP and supported 1.7 million jobs across the country.
- Canada's manufacturing sector spent $7.3 billion on R & D in 2013, which accounted for 47 percent of total business R & D expenditures in Canada.
- In 2012-13, CCC was active in 72 countries with more than 210 Canadian companies and signed approximately $1 billion in contracts.
Quotes
"Our government is focused on creating good jobs and opportunities for Canadian workers and their families. This landmark contract win will create thousands of advanced manufacturing jobs and new sources of prosperity throughout southern Ontario and every region of Canada. Our government will continue to support our exporters and manufacturers to create jobs, as part of our government's most ambitious pro-trade, pro-export plan in Canadian history."
- Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade"This latest contract confirms our position as a leading armoured vehicle designer and manufacturer in the world and a Key Industrial Capability in Canada. This is a testament to the skills and quality of work that exist in Canada today. In addition, we are grateful for all of the assistance provided by the Government of Canada. The whole-of-government approach to export sales gives us a strategic advantage as we pursue international markets."
- Danny Deep, Vice President, General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada"This is an Olympic win for Canada and for Canadian manufacturers. It shows how great people in truly innovative companies like GDLS can compete internationally and bring home the gold. Like all victories, it's been the result of a team effort in which the Government has played a crucial role. All Canadians should be proud of this record achievement."
- Jayson Myers, President and CEO, Canadian Manufacturers and ExportersAssociated Links
Contacts
Shannon Gutoskie
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
613-992-7332
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade
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