Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)

Part of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is a network of more than 900 trade professionals working in Canadian embassies, high commissions 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 in 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 global business 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 contact information.

For general information on export, please visit ExportSource.gc.ca.

New Brunswick Contact(s):
See National Contact.

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National Contact(s):
Sébastien Audette
Trade Commissioner
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0G2
Telephone: 613-996-8544
Fax: 613-944-7153
Toll-free (information): 1-800-267-8376 (in Canada)
TTY (hearing impaired): 613-944-9136
E-mail: sebastien.audette@international.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.international.gc.ca/menu-en.asp

Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0G2
Telephone: 613-944-4946
Toll-free (information): 1-800-551-4946
TTY (hearing impaired): 613-944-9136
E-mail: infoexport@international.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.international.gc.ca/menu-en.asp