Press Release Department: Federal - Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, B.C.) announced that six promising Canadian digital media start-ups have successfully completed their participation in the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) initiative in New York City and an additional six new companies have entered the program. The CTA initiative provides a launching pad from which innovative small and medium-sized Canadian … Read more

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) expressed Canada's condolences to Turkey after the death of 25 soldiers. Baird said he offers his deepest condolences to the families and friends of the 25 Turkish service members who lost their lives in a tragic accident at an ammunition depot. Baird added that Canada stands with … Read more

At the 43rd Pacific Islands Forum in Cook Islands, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Deepak Obhrai (Calgary East, Alta.) reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to be a development partner for the pacific forum countries. Obhrai said that as the sixth largest contributor to the Global Environment Facility, Canada is supporting international and regional efforts … Read more

International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, B.C.) announced that Canada will have a full-time trade commissioner at Canada’s soon-to-be-open embassy in Burma. The announcement was made during Fast’s trade mission to Burma and three other countries in Southeast Asia. The full release is available online. Call 613-992-7332.   Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, … Read more

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) and International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, B.C.) issued an open letter on doing business in Burma. On July 12, 2012, Canada announced its intention to open an embassy in Burma. This followed Canada’s announcement in April 2012 that it had suspended most of its sanctions against … Read more

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) said Canada is deeply disappointed by the decision of the High Specialized Court of Ukraine for Civil and Criminal Cases to uphold the conviction of Yulia Tymoshenko. Baird added that the conduct of the trials that have led to such prosecutions raises serious concerns about Ukraine’s commitment … Read more

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) announced a diplomatic appointment. Arif Lalani becomes ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. The full release is available online. Call 613-995-1874. International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, B.C.) visited a display of Canadian food with Chairat Petchdakul, general manager, Procurement Group (Fresh Food), Mall Group Co., Ltd. … Read more

On behalf of International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, B.C.), Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) attended a consultation session in Ottawa with industry and business leaders from across Eastern Ontario to help the government refresh its Global Commerce Strategy in order to better align Canada’s trade and investment objectives in large, dynamic … Read more

International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, B.C.) launched a trade mission to Southeast Asia to further deepen Canada’s trade and investment ties in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region. The trade mission takes place from Aug. 27 to Sept. 3, 2012, and comprises visits to Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Burma. Following official working visits to Vietnam, Thailand … Read more

On behalf of International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, B.C.), Minister of State (Seniors) Alice Wong (Richmond, B.C.) attended a consultation session in Vancouver with industry and business leaders from across British Columbia to help the government refresh its Global Commerce Strategy in order to better align Canada’s trade and investment objectives in large, dynamic … Read more