June 14, 2014—Ottawa – Today, The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, received the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce’s (ICCC) President Award at the ICCC’s Annual Gala, in recognition of his consistent and constructive engagement with the Indian diaspora community in Canada.
With the election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, the prospects for a deeper engagement between Canada, the Indian diaspora and India have improved dramatically. More than ever before, Canada has an opportunity to leverage its position as a friend of India to significantly advance bilateral trade and people-to-people ties.
“We have this tremendous, successful, diverse and vital Indian community of over a million people strong, and yet we have a relatively small commercial trade relationship with India, which has not been keeping pace with the rate of growth in the Indian economy by any measure
” said Minister Kenney. “I believe it is important for us to engage the Indian community in Canada as the human bridge that can help to lead the commercial relationship and the human, cultural and social relationship between our two countries.
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The Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Finance, delivered the evening’s keynote address highlighting the state of the Canada-India trade relationship, and the Government’s plan to reinforce this relationship in the near future. Minister Oliver reiterated that India and Canada are in a new era of commerce that will create jobs and benefit both our economies. He also commended the ICCC’s invaluable role in strengthening the bonds between our two countries.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Alexandra Fortier
Minister’s Office
819-994-2482
