Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) made a statement on Syria's suspension from the Arab League. Baird said Canada welcomes the Arab League confirmation formally suspending Syria's membership. Baird also said this is an important signal from Syria's neighbours that the egregious behaviour of the Assad regime will not be tolerated. The full … Read more
International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, BC) introduced Bill C-23, Canada-Jordan Economic Growth and Prosperity Act, and Bill C-24, Canada-Panama Economic Growth and Prosperity Act. Fast said free trade agreements with Jordan and Panama are a key part of the government’s job-creating, pro-trade plan to protect and increase the prosperity of hard-working Canadians. The full … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) issued at statement upon the tragic helicopter accident that killed high-ranking officials of the Mexican government. Baird said that on behalf of all Canadians, he wants to offer his sincere condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of Francisco Blake Mora, Mexico’s Secretary of the Interior, and … Read more
Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs) Diane Ablonczy (Calgary-Nosehill, AB) called for strengthened democracy in Nicaragua following the country’s November 6, 2011, presidential and parliamentary elections. Ablonczy congratulated the people of Nicaragua for carrying out national elections that were for the most part calm and peaceful, but said she is concerned … Read more
International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, BC) announced the start of the first round of negotiations to modernize the Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement taking place in Ottawa this week. This negotiating round will wrap up on November 10, 2011. The Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force in 2002, focuses mainly on … Read more
International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, BC) was in Pune, India, to encourage greater cooperation between India’s growing auto sector and Canada’s established capabilities in the industry, during a visit to a facility run by Magna International Inc. Fast said increased production and a growing middle class are driving the growth of India’s auto industry, … Read more
International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, BC) underscored the importance of concluding a trade agreement with India during a tour of McCain Foods International’s manufacturing facility in Mehsana, India, stating it is a top priority in the government’s low-tax, job-creating, pro-trade plan. Fast said international trade is a kitchen-table issue, a matter of fundamental importance … Read more
International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, BC) met with India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma in Delhi. The two ministers discussed a wide range of trade-related issues and, in particular, agreed on the timing for the next round of negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. The full release is available online. Call … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) issued a statement with the hope of dissuading Canadians from participating in a flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip. Baird said unauthorized efforts to deliver aid are provocative and, ultimately, unhelpful to the people of Gaza. The full release is available online. Call 613-995-1874.
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) issued a statement regarding a vote by UNESCO members approving the Palestinian request for membership. Baird said Canada deeply regrets this decision and that unilateral Palestinian efforts to seek member- or observer-state status in the UN, UNESCO and other international organizations without a negotiated peace agreement with … Read more
