Minister Ng strengthens Canada-United States trade relations during visit to Buffalo, New York State, and Southern Ontario

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

August 1, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Yesterday, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, concluded her 2-day visit to Buffalo, New York State, and Southern Ontario, during which she met with local businesses, spoke with government officials and promoted bilateral trade. The visit was part of the Government of Canada’s ongoing Team Canada engagement strategy with the United States. The strategy centres on promoting Canadian interests in and with the United States, one of Canada’s closest allies.

Minister Ng kicked off her tour in St. Catharines, Ontario, at the Port Weller Dry Docks Shipyard. The shipyard is critical to the movement of goods across the Canada-United States border and is a vital part of Canada’s economy. She then visited one of North America’s busiest border crossings, the Peace Bridge Port of Entry. While there, she spoke with representatives of the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection about keeping both sides of the border secure while remaining open to trade and travel.

The Minister then visited businesses in Buffalo, including Sucro Sourcing LLC, a sugar refiner that is investing US$100 million to expand its Hamilton facilities. She stopped by Viridi Parente, an innovative company that designs and builds reliable energy storage systems. Minister Ng then attended a business round table with representatives from Southern Ontario and New York State. She spoke about how Canadian investments in and trade with the United States help create jobs in both regions and how the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement supports the North American economy.

Minister Ng’s trip ended in Hamilton, Ontario, where she visited Longan Vision Corp., a business developing advanced technology for people working in dangerous climates. Representatives of Longan Vision took part in April’s Indo-Pacific Trade Mission to the Republic of Korea, and the Minister heard about their experience.

Quotes

“Businesses in Canada and the United States work together every day to support millions of jobs on both sides of the border. As part of a Team Canada approach, I was proud to engage with the Canadian businesses, workers and communities that are creating good middle-class jobs and succeeding at home and abroad.”

- Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development

Quick facts

  • In 2022, Ontario’s nominal GDP was estimated at over $1 trillion, an increase of 3.9% from 2021.

  • In 2023, the value of Ontario’s total merchandise exports was $302.3 billion, a 10.6% increase from 2022.

  • Ontario’s top 5 exports are vehicles and parts, machinery and equipment, precious stones and metals, electronics and plastics.

  • In 2023, trade with Canada supported 520,300 employees in New York State, in addition to 65,250 employees at Canadian-owned businesses across the state.

  • In 2023, Erie County and Greater Buffalo exported goods worth $1.9 billion and services worth $915 million to Canada annually.

Associated links

Contacts

Huzaif Qaisar
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development
343-575-8816
Huzaif.Qaisar@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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