Global Affairs Canada - Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade Governor in Council Appointments

The Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade is responsible for recommending Governor in Council appointments to different entities. These entities perform a variety of different functions.

Canadian Commercial Corporation

The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) helps foreign government buyers benefit from Canada’s export capabilities through the negotiation and execution of government-to-government contracts. CCC accomplishes this by building unique relationships and maintaining international contracting and procurement expertise. The Corporation focuses on sectors where there is a clear role for government, operating in sectors that are sensitive or are outside of the World Trade Organizations’ (WTO) disciplines and where foreign governments require additional capacity to undertake complex and timely procurements, namely in emerging and developing country markets.

CCC Board of Directors is composed of a Chairperson, a President and no more than nine directors appointed by the Governor in Council.

For more information on the Corporation, visit the Canadian Commercial Corporation website.

Export Development Canada

Export Development Canada's (EDC) mandate is to support and develop, directly or indirectly, Canada’s export trade and Canadian capacity to engage in that trade and to respond to international business opportunities. EDC is financially self-sufficient and works alongside the financial private sector to provide a wide range of financing and risk management services to support Canadian exporters and investors of all sizes.  At the core of EDC’s mission is its unique ability to harness its knowledge of international financial services, markets as well as global trade and international buyers to enable it to take on and manage significant levels of capital and risk for Canadian export minded firms. EDC is viewed as a vibrant organization that maximizes its contribution to Canadian International trade while returning significant financial returns to Canadians each year.

EDC Board of Directors is composed of thirteen directors, including a Chairperson and a President appointed by the Governor in Council.

For more information on the Corporation, visit the Export Development Canada website.

Invest in Canada (IIC)

In order to enhance Canada’s competitiveness in attracting foreign direct investment, the Government of Canada established Invest in Canada (IIC) in 2018, to develop a cohesive foreign direct investment strategy to align with the country’s overall economic growth strategy, promote Canada as a premier investment destination, provide a single-window investor support framework and deliver world-class retention and reinvestment services.

IIC works with all levels of government to promote Canada as a top investment destination, to facilitate investment flows across the country, and to accelerate large-scale transformative investment opportunities for Canada. In addition to creating good-paying jobs, increased foreign direct investment into Canada connects Canadian industries to global value chains and markets, facilitates the transfer of knowledge and technology, increases our competitiveness, stimulates innovation, and promotes the prosperity of Canadians and communities.

For more information on investing in Canada, visit the Invest in Canada website.

The Office of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise

The Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) will be mandated to investigate allegations of human rights abuses linked to Canadian corporate activity abroad. The CORE will seek to assist wherever possible in collaboratively resolving disputes or conflicts between impacted communities and Canadian companies. It will be empowered to independently investigate, report, recommend remedy and monitor its implementation.

For more information on the Office of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise, please visit the Responsible Business Conduct Abroad website.

Applying for a position

The Government of Canada is moving quickly to apply a more rigorous approach to Governor in Council appointments. More information about the new approach and Governor in Council Appointments is available online.