International offices: strategic objectives

Team Scotland in Canada comprises a Scottish Government office established in 2018, with four members of staff based in the British High Commission in Ottawa and Scottish Development International (SDI) Trade and Investment staff located across the Americas including a physical presence in Calgary and Toronto.

Priorities for 2022 to 2023

We will: 

• strengthen the Scotland/Canada bilateral relationship by fostering government cooperation and identifying mutually beneficial opportunities, to include enhanced policy collaboration.
• build on shared heritage in Canada to showcase Scotland’s distinct modern-day bilateral offer to support key priorities including climate/environment and biodiversity, supporting Scotland’s Arctic policy, culture, inclusivity (e.g. through a focus on areas including period poverty and social enterprises), Wellbeing Economy and an inclusive green recovery and just transition.
• promote Scotland's climate ambition as a legacy from COP26, identifying areas for collaboration focusing on energy/renewables/transition, biodiversity, green agriculture, the Arctic and people.
• protect and increase foreign direct and capital investment to support Scotland’s economic recovery and growth through lead generation and business development; attracting inward investment reflecting Scotland's values to deliver better jobs and green growth in communities across Scotland; working with existing investors across key opportunity areas.
• promote economic engagement through trade by offering continued support to Scottish companies and assist Scotland’s economic recovery and growth in Food and Drink, Science and Technology, and Energy.
• support and facilitate the development of civic links with Canada. Identifying opportunities to grow and promote modern-day Scotland, using ‘Scotland is Now’ pillars and outreach with diaspora, GlobalScots, alumni and Scottish Societies.
• support Scottish partners (e.g. Visit Scotland, HEIs, Innovation Centres and research institutes) to strengthen ties, amplify positive messages and exemplify Scottish expertise in Canada, as well as highlighting broader bilateral opportunities.

Contact:

Email: ScottishAffairsCanada@fco.gov.uk