Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant concludes visit to Australia

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

February 15, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Rob Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, today concluded a successful visit to Australia where he delivered remarks at the seventh Australia-Canada Economic Leadership Forum, in Melbourne. The forum is one of the premier events that underpin Canada-Australia economic relations, attracting major business and political leaders from across both countries.

While in Australia, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant visited the Victoria State Control Centre, which directs efforts to deal with the devastating bushfires. He met with a large group of Canadian fire specialists to thank them for their efforts and proudly representing Canada. Canada has provided 238 fire management personnel, among other support since the beginning of December 2019, and is prepared to do more if required. The Canada-Australia collaboration in forest management demonstrates a dedicated and practical approach to resource management, public safety and security.

During his trip, he met with the Governor of the State of Victoria, the Honourable Linda Dessau, the President of the Senate, Senator the Honorable Scott Ryan, and Senator the Honorable Simon Birmingham, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, to strengthen opportunities in the bilateral trade relationship. The Parliamentary Secretary and the Minister participated in a panel discussion with Canadian and Australian business leaders to address how both countries can build on their existing trade and investment to diversify further throughout the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region. In particular, this includes taking advantage of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant welcomed the launch of the Australia-Canada Indigenous Economic Partnership, a key component of the seventh Australia-Canada Economic Leadership Forum.

Quotes

“Canada and Australia share a close relationship based on a history of co-operation, common values, and strong and diversified commercial relations. This year’s forum was the first since the new regional trade agreement, the CPTPP, entered into force, and we look forward to working with our CPTPP partner to maximize the benefits of the agreement.”

- Rob Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

  • This year marks the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Australia and the 125th anniversary of Canada’s first trade commissioner, who arrived in Australia in 1895.

  • Led by the private sector and sponsored by the governments of Canada and Australia, the Australia-Canada Economic Leadership Forum attracts business and political leaders with an interest in deepening Canada-Australia trade and investment.

  • The CPTPP serves as a cornerstone of Canada’s Export Diversification Strategy and, Canada’s greater engagement with Asia-Pacific countries, solidly anchoring Canada’s place in Asia-Pacific markets, such as Australia.

  • The CPTPP has yielded early signs of success for Canadian exports to Australia. During the first year of the CPTPP entering in force, Canadian merchandise exports to Australia increased by 10.1%.

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Syrine Khoury
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Syrine.Khoury@international.gc.ca

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