Canada-Grenada relations
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Bilateral relations
Canada and Grenada have enjoyed a longstanding and collaborative relationship since 1974, when Grenada gained independence. Our rich cooperation is built on our shared priorities, development, climate action, security and multilateral collaboration. Strong people-to-people ties solidify our relationship, including tourism and educational exchanges.
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. Grenada and Canada collaborate closely in key regional institutions, such as the Caribbean Development Bank. Canada represents Grenada and other Caribbean nations on the Board of Governors of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
Canada is represented in Grenada by the High Commission of Canada in Barbados. Grenada is represented in Canada by a non-resident High Commissioner, based in Washington, D.C., and maintains a Consulate general in Toronto and an honorary consulate in Montreal.
Trade relations
Canadian trade with Grenada has grown substantially in recent years, totaling $14.9 million in 2023. Total merchandise exports to Grenada total $12.9 million and merchandise imports from Grenada stand at $2 million.
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 Grenada’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 Grenada, 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 the 5-year $100 million Pledge for Caribbean Reconstruction and Economic and Climate Resilience to support Grenada and the region. The pledge was fulfilled in 2022 and included strengthening natural disaster planning and response through organizations such as the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). Through this commitment, Canada has also supported Grenada’s national disaster management office, including help to retrofit emergency shelters to make them accessible to people with disabilities.
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 Grenadian 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 Grenada, 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
Grenada benefits from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, and Canada’s support through non-governmental organizations.
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Security
Canada is actively engaged with regional and multilateral organizations to enhance security in Grenada and the region. For example, both our countries collaborate within the Organization of American States (OAS) to implement integrated safety and security plans to protect vulnerable public targets. Canada also supports the Barbados-based Regional Security System, which provides assistance to Member States on request, including Grenada. In 2019, the Canadian Armed Forces deployed personnel to Grenada and other countries in Latin American and the Caribbean, to participate in a humanitarian assistance mission with the United States Naval Ship (USNS) COMFORT, a Mercy-Class hospital ship.
Partnerships and organizations
Grenada is an active member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
To develop effective responses to today’s complex and pressing global challenges, Canada and Grenada work closely in multilateral fora, such as:
- Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
- Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)
- The Commonwealth
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
- World Bank (WB)
- Organization of American States (OAS)
- Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
- United Nations (UN)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
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