Minister Sidhu meets with Alberta counterpart and industry leaders to discuss trade, innovation and investment
News release
July 7, 2025 - Calgary, Alberta - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, spent 3 days in Calgary, Alberta, working with provincial leaders and business representatives to strengthen trade and investment opportunities for Canadian businesses.
On Thursday, July 3, Minister Sidhu met with Joseph Schow, Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration. They discussed how the federal and provincial governments can work together to advance trade diversification and promotion, including through Team Canada trade missions.
Minister Sidhu delivered remarks at the Canada-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Business Council board meeting, highlighting recent progress in the growing Canada-UAE trade relationship.
On Friday, July 4, the Minister toured local facilities that are at the forefront of using advanced technologies. At Carbon Upcycling Technologies, he saw world-leading carbon-capture and conversion technology in action. He then toured Carbonova, an innovative company that turns greenhouse gases into valuable products for a range of industries. The Minister also visited De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited’s leading manufacturing facility and saw first-hand their proud Canadian operations, including the production of aircraft headed to the EU and Colombia. He then led a round-table discussion with aerospace and defence industry leaders.
During the Calgary Stampede, Minister Sidhu met with members of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to discuss key trade priorities, particularly those of interest to Western Canadian business leaders.
Throughout the trip, Minister Sidhu highlighted the advantages of Canada’s economic resilience and global trade relationships, as well as how the Trade Commissioner Service can help Canadian businesses explore international markets and opportunities.
Quotes
“It was great to be back in Calgary, where innovative products, services and world-class expertise were on full display during the Stampede. It’s always a privilege to meet with Alberta’s business leaders, industry innovators, government officials, and workers to discuss opportunities for expanding trade to international markets, attracting global investment and creating well-paying jobs across the province.”
- Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade
Quick facts
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In 2024, Canada’s largest export category was energy products. Alberta’s energy exports were valued at $139.7 billion while its energy imports were valued at $10.3 billion.
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Goods exported by businesses in Calgary had a value of $129.5 billion last year.
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Top export industries in Calgary include mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction, wholesale trade and manufacturing.
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In 2024, Alberta’s top merchandise trade partners were the United States, China, Japan, South Korea and Mexico.
Associated links
Contacts
Huzaif Qaisar
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade
343-575-8816
Huzaif.Qaisar@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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