Press Release Department: Federal - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada

Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq (Nunavut) was in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 3 and 4, 2014, to promote the Arctic Council’s program during Canada’s chairmanship of the council and to discuss environmental priorities and achievements, including progress under the United States-Canada Clean Energy Dialogue and the Commission for Environmental Cooperation. Aglukkaq conducted key bilateral meetings with Ernest Moniz, U.S. Secretary … Read more

Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs) Lynne Yelich (Blackstrap, Sask.) said Canada is concerned by changes to Afghanistan’s Criminal Procedure Code. “Canada is deeply concerned by reports that the Government of Afghanistan may enact legislation that would restrict officials from questioning the relatives of a criminal suspect. If adopted, this legislation could seriously … Read more

International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, B.C.) told Canadian wheat producers that while domestic reforms have reinvigorated the industry, new international markets are critical to future success, which is why the federal government has been working to conclude the Canada-EU trade agreement. Fast said the agreement will present tremendous opportunities for Canadian producers, processors and exporters. The … Read more

International Cooperation Minister and Minister for La Francophonie Christian Paradis (Megantic-L’Erable, Que.) launched the annual International Development Week (IDW), held Feb. 2-8, 2014. International Development Week features events all across Canada that highlight what Canadians and organizations are doing to alleviate poverty around the world. The theme for International Development Week is “We are making a difference.” … Read more

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) issued a statement congratulating the Yemeni people on the National Dialogue Conference: “I applaud President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi and the delegates to the National Dialogue Conference on their historic breakthrough in Yemen’s political transition. While the country faces extremely difficult economic and security challenges, the people of Yemen … Read more

Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom, issued a statement denouncing  church attacks in Nigeria. The full statement is available online. Call 613-995-1874. Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) issued a statement marking 70 years of Canada-Mexico diplomatic relations. The full statement is available online. Call 613-995-1874. On behalf of International Cooperation Minister and Minister … Read more

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and for International Human Rights Deepak Obhrai (Calgary East, Alta.) said Canada acknowledges the inauguration of President Hery Rajaonarimampianina following the announcement of the final result of the Malagasy presidential election by the Special Electoral Court. “The people of Madagascar are to be congratulated for peacefully exercising their democratic right to … Read more

Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs) Lynne Yelich (Blackstrap, Sask.) announced Canadian support for a more reliable and robust Honduran health system. Through Canada’s support, the Government of Honduras will be better able to plan and allocate existing resources to those areas in which health care services are most needed. The integrated … Read more

International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, B.C.) announced that Canada will join 13 World Trade Organization members, including China, the European Union, Japan and the United States, in negotiations toward a new WTO plurilateral agreement on environmental goods. Fast is in Davos to lay the groundwork for these negotiations. The recently announced Global Markets Action Plan … Read more

International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, B.C.) highlighted some of the findings from Canada’s State of Trade: Trade and Investment Update 2013 that show how Canada has led the way among G-7 countries despite ongoing challenges within the wider global economy. The full release is available online. Call 613-992-7332. Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) said Canada condemns … Read more