The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, was in British Columbia (B.C.) from July 17 to 21, to meet with provincial and industry leaders, as well as Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) clients in the defence, aerospace and agriculture sectors.
During a keynote address at a Surrey Board of Trade event, Minister Sidhu outlined Canada's economic priorities, including strengthening and diversifying trade relationships worldwide. He spoke about the significance of the Government of Canada's Team Canada Trade Missions, a key initiative under the Indo-Pacific Strategy that helps Canadian businesses export to new international markets.
The minister also met with his newly appointed B.C. counterpart, the Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, Ravi Kahlon. They explored collaboration opportunities between the federal and provincial governments to create market connections for Canadian companies, including through Canada's TCS. Following their meeting, Minister Kahlon joined Minister Sidhu at a round-table discussion with Business Council of British Columbia members, where they shared Canada's and B.C.'s priorities for continued growth in the energy sector.
While in the Vancouver area, Minister Sidhu toured the Port of Vancouver and saw first-hand how the harbour contributes to Canada's international supply chain, facilitating the flow of exports to Asia and connections to essential goods from around the world. He also visited OSI Maritime Systems Ltd., a successful TCS partner, where he gained valuable insights into the unique export challenges faced by Canadian defence companies. The Minister then met with Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO of the Vancouver International Airport to discuss key priorities, including cargo capacity and enhancing international connectivity.
In Kitimat, he visited LNG Canada, the country's first export-oriented liquefied natural gas facility, where he learned about the company's exports to Asia. As a world leader in the energy sector, Canada is a partner of choice for clean energy solutions and is ready to become a conventional and clean energy superpower.
Minister Sidhu concluded his visit to B.C. in Kelowna. He participated in a discussion with business leaders at the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, where he highlighted the role the TCS can play to help B.C. companies reach new export markets. While in Kelowna, the minister also visited Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing, Hillcrest Farms, and KF Aerospace, local businesses, to gain insights into their experiences, discuss challenges they face, and explore how the TCS can support them.
