Canada-Trinidad and Tobago Relations

Fact Sheet: General country information, political and economic data.

Beginning of Diplomatic Relations

Canada's relations with Trinidad and Tobago are close and long-standing. A full-time Trade Commissioner was first appointed to Port of Spain in 1938. Canada's first High Commissioner arrived in 1963. Today the vibrant relationship, managed by the Canadian High Commission in Port of Spain, covers a wide spectrum of sectors including migration, education, health, energy development and financial services. Canada and Trinidad and Tobago share similar values and views. Both countries often cooperate within the Commonwealth, the United Nations and the Organization of American States.

Key Issues

• Energy:
  Trinidad and Tobago is an important energy producer in the Caribbean region, and the dominant supplier of Liquefied Natural Gas to the USA. Canadian involvement in the Trinidadian energy sector has been increasing in recent years.

• Reform of Government:
  The Canadian system is the model for a number of public sector institutions in Trinidad and Tobago. The government continues to be interested in public sector reform, and there are broad opportunities for Canadian involvement in new national infrastructure projects.

• Trinidad and Tobago's Internal Situation:
  Efforts are under way to reduce the high level and the seriousness of crimes being committed on the islands. The social sector has supplemented these efforts.

Trade and Investment

International Trade Canada is responsible for positioning Canada as a world business leader and for promoting Canada as a dynamic place to do business. Visit the International Trade Canada web site for information about services for Canadian companies, non-Canadian companies, business development, and information relating to investment or trade policy.

Indigenous Relations

Learn more about the Aboriginal dimension of Canada's relations with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Development Assistance

CIDA supports projects in the Americas and around the world that are eligible for Canadian aid through development cooperation initiatives.

April 2005