Canada-Dominica relations
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Bilateral relations
Canada and the Commonwealth of Dominica have enjoyed longstanding diplomatic relations since 1978, when Dominica gained independence. Our relationship is based on multilateral and development cooperation as well as strong people-to-people ties, including tourism and educational exchanges. The first Canada-Dominica bilateral consultations took place in March 2023. The natural beauty and remarkable biodiversity of Dominica draws thousands of Canadian tourists to the island every year.
The two countries also collaborate on a range of issues in multilateral fora, such as the Organization of American States, the Commonwealth, and the United Nations. Dominica and Canada collaborate closely in key regional institutions, such as the Caribbean Development Bank. Canada represents Dominica and other Caribbean nations on the Board of Governors of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
Canada is represented in Dominica by the High Commission of Canada in Barbados, which opened in 1967.
Trade relations
Commercial relations between Canada and Dominica are modest but have potential for growth. In 2023, Canada’s merchandise exports to Dominica totaled $8 million, and merchandise imports from Dominica totaled approximately $300,000.
Due to the Commonwealth Caribbean Countries Tariff (CARIBCAN) - an economic and trade development assistance program for the Commonwealth Caribbean countries and territories established by Canada in 1985 – and Canada’s other Tariff preference measures, the vast majority of all Caribbean exports to Canada enter duty free.
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Development
Canada’s international assistance supports Dominica’s efforts to foster climate resilience, economic growth, and inclusive governance. Gender equality is at the forefront, in line with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy.
At the 2023 Canada-CARICOM Leaders' Summit - the first to be hosted on Canadian soil – Canada made several announcements that benefit Dominica, including a $58.5 million initiative in partnership with the Caribbean Development Bank for renewable energy and grid modernization, a $10 million Climate Smart Agriculture and Food Systems initiative with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, and a $6 million contribution to the Caribbean Climate Smart Fund for clean energy. In February 2024, at the 46th CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Georgetown, Guyana, Canada reiterated its commitment to the region by announcing $39.2 million in further funding for four new international assistance projects aimed at advancing climate action, biodiversity conservation, food security, economic resilience, sustainable and inclusive governance, health, and gender equality.
Following the devastating 2017 hurricane season in the Caribbean, Canada announced a 5-year $100 million Pledge for Caribbean Reconstruction and Economic and Climate Resilience to support Dominica and the region. The pledge was fulfilled in 2022 and included support for the establishment of the Climate Resilience Executing Agency of Dominica (CREAD), and technical assistance to strengthen the government’s response to natural disasters. Canada also supported disaster risk insurance coverage for Dominica and helped rebuild climate-resilient primary schools. Dominica continues to benefit from Canada’s support for natural disaster planning and response through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). In May 2024, Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CDEMA to improve tactical mobility coordination for enhanced disaster response.
Canada continues to advocate for small island and low-lying states in the Caribbean, who are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change like rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada redirected programming to respond to Dominica and Caribbean needs, including to address gender-based violence, income support and essential services, training and technical assistance for health professionals, as well as supplies and protective equipment.
A principle means of support to the Caribbean is technical assistance and training to increase the capacity of governments and organizations. For instance, the Canada-CARICOM Expert Deployment Mechanism provides technical assistance to CARICOM governments, including Dominica, to help diversify and strengthen the economy, build climate resilient communities, and reduce gender and economic inequalities.
Information on Canadian development initiatives is available on Project Browser.
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives
Dominica benefits from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, and Canada’s support through non-governmental organizations.
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Security
Canada and Dominica enjoy strong cooperation in enhancing security in the Caribbean. We collaborate through Canada’s Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program to combat cybercrime, drug trafficking, money laundering and other crimes. Canada supports the Barbados-based Regional Security System (RSS), which provides training to security forces in member states, including Dominica. In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017, the Canadian Armed Forces supported relief and recovery efforts in Dominica.
Partnerships and organizations
Dominica is an active member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
To develop effective responses to global challenges, Canada and Dominica work closely in multilateral fora, such as:
- Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
- Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)
- The Commonwealth
- International Criminal Court (ICC)
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
- La Francophonie
- Organization of American States (OAS)
- Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
- United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- World Bank (WB)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
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