Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) issued a statement on the situation in Egypt. Baird said religious extremism has no place in modern society and the new Egypt. Canada urges all involved to work together to build a society where religious communities can live and prosper together and build a new Egypt. The … Read more
International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, BC) kicked off a trade visit to China to strengthen Canada-China trade and investment ties, meet with Chinese government ministers, showcase Canada’s strengths and capabilities and meet with and assist Canadian businesses seeking out new economic opportunities in this priority market. Fast said deepening Canada-China economic ties is key … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) announced the diplomatic appointment of Sara Hradecky as Ambassador to the United Mexican States. The full release is available online. Call 613-995-1874.
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) issued a statement condemning the deadly truck bombing in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu. Baird said Canada hopes that the perpetrators will be brought to justice and that Somalia can continue moving forward in ensuring access to desperately needed aid while also making political progress for its people. Canada … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) announced new sanctions on Syria’s Assad regime in response to its ongoing and escalating repression of Syrian civilians. The measures further expand Canada’s targeted sanctions against the Syrian regime and those that provide it with support. The expanded measures include: travel restrictions and a freeze of assets … Read more
International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, BC) signed the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, an international agreement aimed at combatting the spread of trade in counterfeit and pirated goods. ACTA will establish new international standards for enforcing intellectual property rights. It will cover three areas: improving international cooperation, establishing best practices for enforcement and providing a more … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) announced six new diplomatic appointments. Heather Cruden becomes High Commissioner to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Chantal de Varennes becomes Ambassador to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. David Drake becomes Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt. Weldon Epp becomes Consul General in Guangzhou (People’s Republic of … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) expressed concern over reports that Iran may soon execute an Iranian Christian, Youcef Nadarkhani, for apostasy. Baird said the Canadian government is committed to establishing an Office of Religious Freedom to promote and protect these rights around the world, ensuring that this type of persecution does not … Read more
Members of Parliament have voted in favour of continuing Canada’s leadership role in protecting Libyan civilians and helping Libya transition to the post-Qadaffi era. Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) said Canada is committed to supporting the Libyan people as they transition to a democracy. With this extension, the men and women of … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) released a statement regarding the return of President Ali Abdullah Saleh to Yemen. Baird said Canada strongly urges President Saleh to step down and for him and his supporters to allow a peaceful democratic transition to take place, one that respects freedom, democracy, human rights and the … Read more
