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

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) announced that he will visit Ukraine to participate in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Ministerial Council in Kyiv. The visit comes amid the Ukrainian government’s crackdown on mass protests against its decision to suspend negotiations with the European Union. Baird said, "These heavy-handed actions … Read more

Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs) Lynne Yelich (Blackstrap, Sask.) concluded a successful visit to Kabul, during which she reinforced Canada’s ongoing commitment to helping Afghanistan achieve long-term peace and prosperity and to ensuring that it does not again become a base for terrorism directed against the international community. This was … Read more

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) issued a statement on plans for Canada's mission in the United Kingdom. Baird said he is thrilled that the plans to consolidate Canada's High Commission in the United Kingdom into one location is progressing. He said a revitalized Canada House on Trafalgar Square is an ideal location from which to … Read more

International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, B.C.) announced that Canada and Albania have finalized negotiations on a foreign investment promotion and protection agreement (FIPA). Fast made the announcement at Albania’s Independence Day reception in Ottawa. A FIPA is a treaty designed to promote and protect Canadian investment abroad through legally binding provisions and to promote … Read more

International Cooperation Minister and Minister for La Francophonie Christian Paradis (Megantic-L'Erable, Que.) concluded a trip to the Philippines where he witnessed the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan first-hand. He also met with local government and United Nations officials, as well as with international and Canadian humanitarian organizations working to respond to needs in some of … Read more

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and for International Human Rights Deepak Obhrai (Calgary East, Alta.) said Canada is concerned by the recent demonstrations and unrest in Bangkok, and calls for a peaceful dialogue. The full statement is available online. Call 613-995-1874.

International Cooperation Minister and Minister for La Francophonie Christian Paradis (Megantic-L'Erable, Que.) issued a statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The full statement is available online. Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) issued a statement on Iran’s nuclear program. “Canada has long held the view that every … Read more

International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, B.C.) highlighted the many ways that the government is helping small business create jobs and opportunities by engaging in global markets during a meeting with his Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) Advisory Board. Fast said SMEs are the backbone of the Canadian economy. They account for 99.8 per cent of … Read more

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) and His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), issued a joint statement from the United Arab Emirates: “Six months ago, we announced the Canada-U.A.E. Shared Strategic Agenda, which reflects our commitment to work together on issues of common … Read more

On Nov. 19, International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, B.C.) highlighted a $13-million federal contribution to Mitacs Inc., a national not-for-profit organization that helps the next generation of innovators develop vital scientific and business skills. The Mitacs Globalink Program was established in 2009 to bring top international undergraduate students to universities across Canada for research … Read more