Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) said that Canada strongly condemns the terrorist attacks on worshippers at two mosques in the Lebanese city of Tripoli. “Canada urges the people of Lebanon to stay united in the face of such cowardly acts of terrorism and to reject violence as a means of resolving political … Read more
International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, B.C.) wrapped up a meeting with trade ministers from the countries of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The TPP Ministerial Meeting was held Aug. 22 and 23, 2013, in Brunei. To continue to move negotiations forward and resolve outstanding issues, TPP members have agreed to a regular schedule of technical … Read more
International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, B.C.) congratulated Sun Life Financial on the launching of its new business in Malaysia. Sun Life’s new presence in Malaysia is the most recent example of a Canadian financial services company’s success in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region- a priority market under the government’s pro-trade plan … Read more
Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs) Lynne Yelich (Blackstrap, Sask.) said that Canada welcomes the decision made by the newly constituted electoral court in Madagascar to remove the names of disputed presidential candidates Andry Rajoelina, Lalao Ravalomanana and Didier Ratsiraka from the electoral list. “This decision upholds the spirit of the … Read more
Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs) Lynne Yelich (Blackstrap, Sask.) said that the Government of Canada is very concerned that two Canadian citizens have been arrested in Egypt. “I can confirm that Canadian consular officials have visited the two Canadians and have been in contact with their families," said Yelich. "[Aug. … Read more
International Trade Minister Ed Fast (Abbotsford, B.C.) marked the second anniversary of the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. “Our government’s ambitious job-creating, pro-trade plan is benefiting Canadian workers and their families,” Minister Fast said. “The trade agreement with Colombia has encouraged significant growth in Canadian exports. In fact, since this agreement came into force, Canadian exports … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) and Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom, issued a joint statement on the ongoing violence against Christians in Egypt. "We are concerned by recent attacks on religious institutions in Egypt, in particular the unconscionable attacks on Coptic Orthodox and Anglican churches and on Baptist and Franciscan … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) issued a statement on deadly violence in Egypt. "Canada is deeply concerned by reports overnight of deadly violence in Egypt. We urge all parties to refrain from violence and engage in a meaningful political dialogue for the good of all Egyptians," Minister Baird said. "Our thoughts go … Read more
Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom Andrew Bennett issued a statement on attacks targeting the Muslim community in Sri Lanka. “Canada expresses concern over the attack on Grandpass Mosque in Grandpass, Sri Lanka, on August 10, 2013," Bennett said. "This is just one of a number of recent and troubling attacks targeting the Muslim community in … Read more
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird (Ottawa West-Nepean, Ont.) issued a statement on the Eid al-Fitr bombing in Iraq. "Canada unequivocally condemns the abhorrent attacks that killed scores of people and injured more than one hundred in mainly Shi’ite areas in Baghdad," Minister Baird said. "Our thoughts go out to the families and friends of the … Read more
