Deputy First Minister will undertake a visit to
Toronto and Nova Scotia focused on getting more investment into
Scotland.
The visit will also promote collaboration with universities and
academic organisations, and strengthen connections with Nova
Scotia's Gaelic communities.
The Deputy First Minister will engage with institutional
investors – such as banks and asset managers - to discuss
opportunities in sectors including renewables and clean
energy, technology and fintech.
She will also visit the Saltire Foundation Canada which is
supporting Scottish connections and investing in the next
generation of leaders, and Ontario's University of Guelph to
learn about the Scotland-Canada Academic Partnership which
encourages cooperation between scholars and researchers on both
sides of the Atlantic.
Canada is Scotland's ninth most important export market with
around £500 million of goods exported there annually. There are
105 Canadian-owned companies in Scotland, employing more than
10,000 people with an annual turnover of around £2.1 billion.
Ms Forbes said:
“Scotland and Canada share deep historical connections. More than
four million Canadians claim Scottish heritage and Nova Scotia is
a home from home for Gaelic.
“This enduring relationship presents us with opportunities to
further benefit our economies, through investment in the energy
transition for example, as well as in growing sectors like AI,
fintech and life sciences. As the Scottish Government's
Investment Champion, my focus will be on making connections which
can bring investment and grow our economy.
“We share a global reputation for educational excellence, which
means Scotland and Canada can capitalise on the strengths of our
academic institutions, bringing scholars from both countries
closer together to share ideas, collaborate and produce impactful
research and teaching.
“I also look forward to exploring how we can support more trade
missions through the Scottish Government International Trade
Partnership, and sharing knowledge with Nova Scotia's Ministers
for energy, Gaelic and economic growth.”
Background
The Deputy First Minister will be in Toronto and Nova Scotia from
14-17 October.
