Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) issued a statement on the the deadly shooting in Toulouse, France, that killed four people and three children. Baird said that Canada unequivocally condemns the cowardly and murderous attack that took place in front of Ozar Hatorah Toulouse Jewish school. Baird added that Canada stands with the … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) expressed condolences to Turkey and Afghanistan after a NATO helicopter crash. Baird said that Canada stands with the Turkish and Afghan people during this difficult time and are committed to improving the lives of Afghan civilians. Baird added that this tragedy is a stark reminder of the … Read more
International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, BC) met with Quebec-based business leaders to emphasize how a trade agreement with the European Union will bring benefits to their businesses and workers. The event was organized by the Canada Europe Roundtable for Business in Montréal, QC. Fast said that an agreement with the European Union would be a … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) presented the 2012 John Diefenbaker Defender of Human Rights and Freedom Award to the late Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan’s former Federal Minister for Minorities, and Susana Trimarco, Argentinian activist and founder of the Fundación María de los Ángeles. Baird said that with this award, Canada honours the memory … Read more
International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, BC) attended the start of the Brand India Expo 2012 in Ottawa. Fast said that the growing Canada-India partnership shows the critical role strong people-to-people ties play, as both countries continue to negotiate a comprehensive trade agreement. Fast added that since leading a trade mission to India in November … Read more
As part of international Francophonie month, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) Bernard Valcourt (Madawaska-Resitgouche, NB) launched Francophonie Week at an opening reception in Boston before more than 50 members of New England’s diplomatic and business community. Valcourt also took the opportunity to invite the diplomatic community to the World Acadian Congress to be … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) and Status of Women Minister Rona Ambrose (Edmonton-Spruce Grove, AB) issued a statement on women's rights in Afghanistan for International Women's Day. The ministers said the day celebrates the achievements of women around the world, and focuses on what must be done to achieve greater equality but … Read more
International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, BC) met with U.S. business leaders and investors to promote Canada’s strong economic fundamentals and business strengths, as well as to highlight the envied competitive advantages and prosperity created by the Canada-U.S. supply chains. Fast said that with one in ten Canadian jobs linked to foreign investment, the government … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) issued a statement pursuant to reports of heavy shelling in Homs, Syria. Baird said that the depravity and reprehensible acts of the Assad regime continue to sink to new lows. Baird added that Assad and his regime are blocking humanitarian aid from getting to the Syrians who … Read more
Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs) Diane Ablonczy (Calgary-Nose Hill, AB) reminded Canadians preparing to travel abroad during spring break to visit the government's travel website for advice on planning a safe trip. Ablonczy said with careful planning, travellers can maximize their chances of having a safe and enjoyable trip abroad. … Read more
