Canada-Saint Lucia relations
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Bilateral relations
Canada and Saint Lucia have enjoyed longstanding diplomatic relations since 1979, when Saint Lucia gained independence. Our relationship is based on multilateral cooperation, shared values of democracy, rule of law, and strong people-to-people ties, including through tourism. Canada is home to approximately 7,285 Saint Lucians.
Canada and Saint Lucia actively collaborate bilaterally and in multilateral forums, such as the Organization of American States, the Commonwealth, and the United Nations on issues of mutual importance, from climate change to regional security. Canada also represents Saint Lucia on the Board of Governors at both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
Canada is represented in Saint Lucia by the High Commission of Canada in Barbados, which opened in 1967. Saint Lucia is represented in Canada by a Consulate general in Toronto.
Trade relations
In 2023, Canada's merchandise exports to Saint Lucia totaled $19.2 million and merchandise imports from Saint Lucia were valued at $800,000. Canada's main exports to Saint Lucia included animal products, food products and machinery.
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 Saint Lucia’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 Saint Lucia 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 St. Lucia 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). 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 St. Lucian 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 in 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 St. Lucia, to help diversify and strengthen the economy, build climate resilient communities, and reduce gender and economic inequalities. Another collaborative initiative is bringing Canadian and St. Lucian institutions of higher education together for technical and vocational training in the climate sector.
Saint Lucia and Canada also collaborate closely in key regional and multilateral fora and institutions, such as the Caribbean Development Bank. Canada represents Saint Lucia and other Caribbean nations on the Board of Governors of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
Information on Canadian development initiatives is available on Project Browser.
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives
St. Lucia also benefits from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.
Security
Canada and Saint Lucia enjoy strong cooperation in enhancing security in the region. We collaborate through Canada's Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program to tackle illicit drugs and crime, and Canada's support to the Barbados-based Regional Security System, which provides training to security forces. In collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Canada and Saint Lucia work together to tackle money laundering.
Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to global challenges, Canada and Saint Lucia work closely in multilateral fora, such as:
- Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
- Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)
- The Commonwealth
- Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- La Francophonie
- Organization of American States (OAS)
- Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
- United Nations (UN)
- World Bank (WB)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
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