September 19, 2009 (12 p.m. EDT)
No. 264

Minister Day and MP Ron Cannan Open New Regional Trade Office in Kelowna

The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country, today officially opened a new Canadian Trade Commissioner Service office in Kelowna, British Columbia.

“Reflecting its strong and growing economy, Kelowna now has the largest number of Trade Commissioner Service clients in mainland British Columbia, outside of Vancouver,” said Minister Day. “This new office will provide market intelligence and expert advice to help local businesses take advantage of trade and investment opportunities.”

“The region’s economy is growing very fast in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, mining and forestry,” said Mr. Cannan. “The arrival and growth of new industries like information technology and metal and plastics manufacturing also contribute to its diversification. This new office will assist companies in growing their international business.”

“The Trade Commissioner Service is an invaluable tool for Canadian businesses ready to expand their international horizons,” said Weldon LeBlanc, Chief Executive Officer of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. “I know that our growing and dynamic region will make very good use of our new regional trade office.”

Trade commissioners help Canadian companies and organizations do business in other countries by offering four key services: preparation for international markets, assessment of market potential, finding of qualified contacts and resolution of problems.

The Kelowna office is the latest in a series of five new offices that have opened across the country. The others, which opened in 2008, are located in Ottawa, the Waterloo region, Windsor and Victoria. All share space with Business Development Bank of Canada offices, an arrangement that ensures Canadians obtain maximum benefit from both federal services.

With more than 115 years of experience, the Trade Commissioner Service currently maintains offices in 150 cities abroad and 18 regional offices across Canada.

For more information, please visit The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-6186

Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000