The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service - TCS

Part of International Trade Canada, the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service is a network of more than 900 trade professionals working in Canadian embassies, high commisions and consulates located in 140 cities around the world and 12 regional offices across Canada.

In Canada, trade commissioners working in regional offices provide practical advice on marketing strategies and up to date market and sector information to help smooth a Canadian company's path to doing business abroad. 

Trade commissioners working our offices around the world help Canadian companies in the development of their international business, including investigating market prospects, identifying key contacts and providing relevant advice and market intelligence. 

Eligibility Criteria

The Trade Commissioner Service helps Canadian companies that:

• have selected their target markets;
• are implementing or ready to implement their export strategy;
• can demonstrate their commitment to succeed in the global marketplace.

Summary

Located in every province and territory, the Trade Commissioner Service offers four key services in its regional offices:

• One-On-One Export Help: Implementation of your export strategy and export services that are available in Canada;
• Market and Industry Information: Up-to-date foreign market information and intelligence to guide your export strategy and plans;
• Advice in Export Financing: Valuable advice on export financing, including information on costs and risks of entering and expanding in foreign markets;
• Trade Fairs, Missions and Events: Recommendations for trade fairs and trade missions that match your company's needs.

The Trade Commissioner Service offers six key services to Canadian companies through its offices abroad:

• Market Prospect - Helps you assess your potential in your target market and provides advice on doing business in the market; indicates major barriers, regulations and certifications; notifies on upcoming events; and suggests next steps. Market reports are available for some sectors.
• Key Contacts Search - Provides lists of qualified contacts in your target market. These sources have the local knowledge you need to refine and implement your market entry strategy.
• Visit Information - Provides practical advice on timing and organizing your trip, including lists of local hotels, business support services, interpreters and translator, local transport providers, and more.
• Face-to-face Briefing - Officers can meet with you personally to discuss the most recent developments in your target market and your future needs. Simply notify the office of your visit at least two weeks before your departure.
• Local Company Information - Provides information on local market organizations or companies you have identified.
• Troubleshooting - Assists with urgent business or market access problems. Please note that they cannot enter into private disputes or act as customs brokers, sales agents, collection agents or lawyers.

The Virtual Trade Commissioner

The Virtual Trade Commissioner is a key tool for accessing the international business development services of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service. By registering and becoming a client of the Trade Commissioner Service, you can obtain on-line access to market research reports, business leads, business news, events and visit information that match your specific international business interests.  Through your Virtual Trade Commissioner, you can request services from trade commissioners in Canada and abroad who are responsible for your industry and target markets, as well as services from our partners, including: Export Development Canada; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; Canadian Commercial Corporation and Canadian Heritage.  To register for a Virtual Trade Commissioner, visit the TCS's Web site.

Additional Information

For more information, please visit the Trade Commissioner Service's Web site where you can access hundreds of foreign market reports organized by industry sectors and the contact information of more than 900 Trade Commissioners located in over 140 offices around the world and 12 regional offices in Canada.

Regional Offices in Canada - Contacts: For the most up-to-date contact information for Trade Commissioners working in regional offices in Canada, visit the TCS's Web site.

Offices Abroad - Contacts: For the most up-to-date contact information for Trade Commissioners working in offices abroad, visit the TCS's Web site.

For general information on export, please visit Team Canada Inc's Web site.

Nova Scotia Contact(s):
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
5th Floor, World Trade and Convention Centre
1800 Argyle Street
P.O. Box 940, Station M
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 2V9
Telephone: (902) 426-7540
Fax: (902) 426-5218
Toll-free (information): 1-800-267-8376 (in Canada)
TTY (hearing impaired): (613) 944-9136
E-mail: hlfax@international.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.international.gc.ca/menu-en.asp