Minister Creed Concludes Canadian Leg of North American Itinerary

02 March 2018


The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed T.D. today (Thursday) concluded the two day Canadian leg of his North American itinerary in Toronto.  

On Wednesday the Minister visited Ottawa for a series of high level political meetings in Canada’s administrative capital. 

Amongst those Minister Creed held discussions with were the Canadian Minister for Agriculture Lawrence McAuley, his Deputy Chris Forbes and his assistant Fred Gorrell. Minister Creed also addressed the Canadian Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture & Agri-Food chaired by Pat Finnegan MP.

Commenting on Wednesday’s political engagement Minister Creed said; 

“The EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) provides Irish Agri-food exporters the platform to build future opportunities in Canada.  I was pleased to be afforded the opportunity to raise awareness of Ireland’s Agri-Food and beverage sector, with significant political figures in Canada.  There was keen interest from Minister McAuley, and others, regarding our potential exposure arising from Brexit, our Foodwise 2025 ambitions as well as our sustainability initiatives such as Origin Green”.

Minister Creed was formally introduced to the Parliament during Prime Minister’s questions taken by Prime Minister Trudeau.  The Minister was also hosted by the Canada Ireland Parliamentary Group for lunch in the Parliament building.   

On Thursday Minister Creed hosted a Bord Bia breakfast event in Toronto bringing together Irish businesses seeking to build in the Canadian market with senior retailers and purchasers operating in the region.  Other meetings included a round table with the Liqour Control Board of Ontario, and a beverages promotional event in downtown Toronto. 

Commenting on events in Canada Minister Creed concluded; 

“Canada is certainly a market which offers opportunities for us to grow and expand our export offering as we continue to diversify our market base as a Brexit mitigation measure. The connections made over the past number of days should prove beneficial in our efforts to achieve these goals into the future.”

ENDS

Original Press Release, click here.