Canada-Algeria relations
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Bilateral relations
Canada and Algeria enjoy excellent diplomatic relations, which go back to the initial years after Algeria’s independence. Algeria is an influential actor in North Africa and an important partner for Canada in the global fight against terrorism, and also for bilateral trade.
Canada recognized Algeria upon its independence in 1962, and diplomatic relations were established in 1964. Bilateral relations are greatly strengthened by people-to-people ties. According to the 2021 census, the Algerian diaspora in Canada was comprised of approximately 73,775 people, residing primarily in the Montreal area. Algeria is also the fourth-largest source of immigrants to Quebec, after France, Haiti, and Morocco. According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, there were a total of 7,510 Algerian students studying in Canada in 2022.
Algeria is a major regional player in the fight against terrorism. Recognizing Algeria’s unique role, Canada is committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Algeria to work towards the consolidation of peace and security in the region. Algeria and Canada participated in the launch of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) in 2011, and until 2019, the two were co-chairs for the capacity-building working group for the Sahel, and subsequent West Africa region. Canada provides funding for initiatives related to counter-terrorism capacity building in which Algeria participates.
Since 2017, Canada has contributed $2.6 million (including $500,000 in 2022) to the UN Refugee Agency’s activities in Algeria to address the needs of Sahrawi refugees.
Canada is represented in Algeria by the Embassy of Canada in Algiers. Algeria is represented in Canada by an Embassy in Ottawa and a Consulate General in Montreal.
Trade relations
Canada and Algeria have a dynamic commercial relationship, with bilateral merchandise trade totalling $1.52 billion in 2022. Algeria represents the first largest market on the continent for Canadian exports. According to the Trade Commissioner Service, more than 100 Canadian companies are doing business in Algeria. Their sectors of activity range from food products to aeronautics. Canadian companies benefit from their ability to do business in French, their willingness to share knowledge and technology, and their North American expertise.
Algeria presents significant business opportunities for Canada in the areas of mining, infrastructure and consulting engineering services, education, aerospace, information and communications technology, life sciences, agriculture and energy. Canada and Algeria are also united by important cultural and academic ties. In particular, there are several inter-university research and teaching agreements. On July 1, 2017, Air Canada launched a direct flight between Montreal and Alger during the summer months, a service that previously was only offered by Air Algeria.
Development
Through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, Canada supports projects and organizations that promote democracy, respect for human rights and inclusive and accountable governance in Algeria.
Algeria has supported various international initiatives spearheaded by Canada. Algeria signed and ratified the Ottawa Convention on Anti-Personnel Mines, and has completed all steps called for under the convention. Algeria was also active in promoting the New Economic Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), particularly within the African Peer Review Mechanism. Although not a member of La Francophonie, Algeria is the second-largest French-speaking country in the world in terms of the number of speakers.
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Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Algeria work closely in multilateral fora, such as:
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- Open Government Partnership (OGP)
- United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
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