Canada and the UK are world leaders in e-Commerce. An MOU on Global Electronic Commerce has been drawn up by the the UK Department of Trade and Industry and Industry Canada to develop a broader commitment by governments, businesses and consumers to an action agenda in this field. Canadian owned companies are now major employers across the UK, with Nortel employing around 14,000 and Bombardier over 7,000. The UK and Canada have a thriving defence relationship at all levels underpinned by contact between Defence Ministers and regular visits by Chiefs of Staff and defence officials. We have worked closely in the Balkans, in Bosnia and Kosovo, where Canadian and British forces have served together under the same command.
British forces benefit from access to superb training facilities in Canada.
The RAF conducts low flying training at Goose Bay, in Labrador. A successful exchange officer programme continues with British and Canadian officers and warrant officers serving within each other's forces. Defence procurement in both directions is flourishing. Canada has also bought Cormorant helicopters for search and rescue. The IFI promotes social and economic development and encourages contact, dialogue and reconciliation between nationalists and unionists throughout Ireland.