Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) issued a statement concerning reports that Israeli and Palestinian negotiators will meet for the first time in more than a year during the week of January 3rd, 2012, in Jordan. Baird said that Canada welcomes the commitment and urges all sides to approach these discussions in good … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) announced diplomatic appointments. Jean-Pierre Blackburn becomes Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Canada to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, in Paris. Gitane De Silva becomes Consul General of Canada in Chicago. John T. Holmes becomes Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, with concurrent accreditation to the Republic of … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) issued a statement concerning the West Bank Mosque Attack. Baird said that like all Canadians, the government was appalled to hear of the burning and the defacing of the mosque at Burqa. Baird added that it is entirely without justification and an abhorrent affront to the sanctity … Read more
International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, BC) issued a statement while at the Eighth World Trade Organization Ministerial meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. Fast said that Canada congratulates Russia on its accession to the World Trade Organization. Fast added that the Canada-Russia trade relationship is important to Canada, and Canada has been a strong supporter of … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) and Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs) Diane Ablonczy (Calgary-Nosehill, AB) issued a statement concerning the situation in Syria. Baird said that the situation in Syria continues to deteriorate. Baird added that with additional sanctions imposed by the Arab League reducing flights out … Read more
International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, BC) and Minister of State (Sport) Bal Gosal (Bramalea-Gore-Malton, ON) welcomed the third round of Canada-India free trade negotiations, taking place in Delhi from December 13 to 16, 2011. Gosal highlighted the progress being made in an update to the Indo-Canadian community in Brampton. Gosal said that a Canada-India … Read more
International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, BC) met with business leaders from German companies with investments in Canada to highlight Canada as an investment destination of choice for European investors. Fast said that attracting foreign investment directly benefits Canadian businesses, workers and families by creating jobs, raising incomes and strengthening Canada’s competitive position. Germany is already the … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) issued a statement on the recent attacks in Lebanon. Baird said that Canada condemns in the strongest terms this latest attack against a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon patrol in Southern Lebanon. Baird added that Canada offers its deepest sympathy to the French peacekeepers and Lebanese civilians who were … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) issued a statement on the occasion of Human Rights Day. Baird said 2011 was a landmark year for human rights, during which hundreds of thousands of people stepped forward in the face of violent repression to claim their rights. Baird said Canada will continue to work tirelessly … Read more
Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) Bernard Valcourt (Madawaska-Resitgouche, NB) concluded his visit to Paris, where he represented Canada at the 27th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie. Valcourt met with his colleagues from the International Organization of La Francophonie to discuss Canada’s goal of broadening the organizations mandate as it pertains to economic cooperation within La Francophonie. … Read more
