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

International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, BC) met with Indo-Canadian business leaders in Vancouver, British Columbia, to discuss the Harper government’s progress in enhancing economic cooperation between Canada and India. An agreement with India could deliver significant commercial benefits to companies across many sectors of the Canadian economy, including forestry, mining, manufacturing, fishing and seafood … Read more

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) issued a statement in response to the recent violent arrests of peaceful demonstrators and journalists at Independence Day celebrations throughout Belarus. Baird said Canada is deeply disappointed that citizens of Belarus are being detained for exercising their fundamental rights of freedom of assembly and expression. Baird urged … Read more

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada announced that Labour Minister Lisa Raitt (Halton, ON) will attend the 2011 Croatia Summit. The Croatia Summit gathers leaders from the Central and Southern European regions. Raitt said that Canada views the Croatia Summit as an opportunity to discuss issues of bilateral interest with senior officials from Croatia and … Read more

International Trade Minister Edward Fast (Abbotsford, BC) and Minister of State (Sport) Bal Gossal (Bramalea-Gore-Malton, ON) met to discuss the Harper government's progress in improving economic ties between Canada and India. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada said that a Canada-India joint study in 2010 concluded that free trade could expand Canada’s economy by at … Read more

International Trade Minister Edward Fast (Abbotsford, BC) and Conservative MP Chris Alexander (Ajax-Pickering, ON) along with MP Coneliu Chisu (Pickering-Scarborough East, ON) toured the Komtech Enterprises Ltd. facility to meet with workers and discuss the benefits of international trade for Canadian employment. Fast said Komtech is a shining example of how international trade supports families … Read more

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) made a statement upon the recent crackdown by the Syrian regime against its own people. Baird said the reported violence being perpetrated by the Syrian government against its citizens in Hama and along the Syrian-Turkish border is completely unacceptable. Baird also said Canada will continue to support … Read more

International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, BC) wrapped up his first international trip as minister. Fast visited Brazil and Paraguay, working on behalf of the Government of Canada and Canadian workers and companies to strengthen Canada’s commercial relationships in the fast-growing market of the Americas. The full release is available online. Call 613-992-7332. Foreign Affairs … Read more

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, ON) issued a statement after visiting Benghazi, Libya, where he met with leaders of Libya’s National Transitional Council. Baird said he had productive discussions with the most senior members of the National Transitional Council and is now even more convinced that the NTC is indeed the legitimate representative … Read more

International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, BC) announced that Canada and the members of Mercosur—Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay—are moving forward with exploratory discussions to enhance their trade relationship. Fast said he is hopeful that these exploratory discussions will help Canada enhance its economic ties with Mercosur, the largest common market in South America. The … Read more

Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs) Diane Ablonczy (Calgary-Nosehill, AB) announced that a $7.1 million contribution will be given to Guatemala to strengthen judicial and security sectors. The contribution includes $4.6 million from the Global Peace and Security Fund (GPSF) and $2.59 million from the Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program (ACCBP). Ablonczy … Read more