The SNP Government is to open an office in Ottawa, Canada’s capital, next month, to strengthen economic ties between our two nations.
The new Canada office will work to encourage co-operation between Canadian and Scottish businesses and organisations.
It will also promote Scotland as a place to work, study, and visit.
Six million Canadians have Scottish ancestry - one in six of the population.
Canada is one of Scotland’s biggest inward investors, with around 3,650 jobs provided by 45 Canadian companies in Scotland. Scottish exports to Canada amounted to over £610 million last year, making it one of our top 20 export markets.
External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop MSP confirmed the details ahead the Canada Hub reception as part of the Culture Summit 2018 in Edinburgh, saying:
“This new office will help us strengthen our relationships with Canada, putting a focus on encouraging trade and investment and showcasing Scotland as a great place to work, study and visit.
“This will be the first time we have had a presence in Canada’s capital. Our new team will be able to develop closer policy and political links with the Canadian Government, business, education and third sector partners.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“Canada and Scotland have had strong links for centuries. Much of the country was mapped by Scots, who pioneered Canada’s railways, Canada’s first prime Minister was Scottish and there are more people of Scottish ancestry in Canada than in Scotland itself. My paternal grandmother in the 1920s and my mother in the 1950s emigrated there before returning within a few years to Scotland and my twin sister Janis has lived in Canada for more than two decades.
“I am delighted that the SNP Government is strengthening its economic ties to Canada at a time when both the Saudi and US regimes are doing the opposite.
“I have no doubt that, as Brexit approaches and beyond, our economic and cultural links with Canada will deepen even further, bringing increased prosperity to both our nations.”
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