Visit the website at http://www.international.gc.ca

 “The mandate of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada is to manage Canada’s diplomatic and consular relations and to encourage the country’s international trade. This includes:

• ensuring that Canada’s foreign policy reflects true Canadian values and advances Canada’s national interests;
• strengthening rules-based trading arrangements and expanding free and fair market access at bilateral, regional and global levels; and
• working with a range of partners inside and outside government to achieve increased economic opportunity and enhanced security for Canada and for Canadians at home and abroad.”

Of particular interest to forest product exporters is the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS).  They strive to “provide you with on-the-ground intelligence and practical advice on foreign markets to help you make better, more timely and cost-effective decisions in order to achieve your international business goals.  We can help you prepare for international markets, assess your market potential, find qualified contacts and resolve business problems. The TCS services are offered free of charge to Canadian companies and organizations.”

For British Columbia, there are TCS trade offices in Vancouver (300 West Georgia Street, Suite 2000, V6B 6E1; 1-888-306-9991) and Victoria (990 Fort Street Suite 100, V8V 3K2; also 1-888-306-9991).  There are over 150 offices around the world, with trade commissioners that can provide invaluable on-the-ground assistance to exporters.  The Tokyo office in Japan, for example, houses over twenty Trade Commissioners.

For a list of global Trade Commissioners that work in the forest products industry, click here.

DFAIT, along with the government of Canada, also provide funding programs for exporters.  These include the Global Commerce Support Program, the International Science and Technology Partnerships Program (ISTPP), and Other Funding Opportunities.

In the table below, you will find a list of DFAIT forestry, science, and technology  trade commissioners abroad, along with their contact information.