Today I announce the appointment of the Hon Scott Ryan as Australia's next High Commissioner to Canada.
Australia and Canada have a close relationship founded on shared values and experiences. We are proud liberal democracies and federal systems.
Australian and Canadian defence personnel have served side-by-side for over 100 years. We also share a deep commitment to celebrating our indigenous heritages.
Our bilateral economic relationship is substantial. Two-way trade was worth $6.4 billion in 2020, and Canada is our 11th largest source of foreign investment, with two-way investment currently standing at $159 billion.
Canada is a vital partner in a range of international forums, particularly the United Nations, APEC, WTO, G20 and the OECD. Our two countries work together closely through the Five Eyes group. We cooperate on international issues such as climate change, global peace and security, human rights, and the empowerment of women and girls. Australia stands with Canada against the use of arbitrary detention and we welcome Canada's growing engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
Mr Ryan was Senator for Victoria from 2008-2021, serving as 25th President of the Senate from 2017-2021. Prior to that role, he served in various ministerial positions including Special Minister of State; Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cabinet, Minister for Vocational Education and Skills and Assistant Cabinet Secretary.
Mr Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree from the University of Melbourne.
I thank former High Commissioner Natasha Smith for her contributions to advancing Australia's interests in Canada since 2018.
