Minister Day and MP Cannan Open New Regional Trade Office in Kelowna, British Columbia

September 19, 2009

Minister Day and MP for Kelowna-Lake Country, Ron Cannan

The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna–Lake Country, today officially opened a new trade office in Kelowna, British Columbia.

“Reflecting its strong and growing economy, Kelowna has now the largest existing base of Trade Commissioner Service clients in mainland British Columbia outside of Vancouver,” said Minister Day. “This new office will provide market intelligence and expert advice to help our local businesses take advantage of trade and investment opportunities.”

“The region’s economy is growing very fast in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, mining and forestry,” said Mr. Cannan. “The arrival and growth of new industries like information technology and metal and plastics manufacturing also contribute to its diversification. This new office will assist companies in growing their international business.”

“The Trade Commissioner Service is an invaluable tool for Canadian businesses ready to expand their international horizons,” said Weldon LeBlanc, Chief Executive Officer of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. “I know that our growing and dynamic region will make very good use of our new regional trade office.”

Trade Commissioners help Canadian companies and organizations do business through four key services: preparing for international markets, assessing market potential, finding qualified contacts and resolving problems.

The Kelowna office is the latest in a series of five new offices that have opened across the country. The other new offices, which opened in 2008, are located in Ottawa, the Waterloo Region, Windsor and Victoria. All are co-located with the Business Development Bank of Canada, an arrangement that ensures Canadians obtain maximum benefit from both federal services.

With more than 115 years of experience, the Trade Commissioner Service currently maintains offices in 150 cities abroad and 18 regional offices across Canada.