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CBC NEWSLETTER CBC EVENTS NEWS CANADA - UAE NEWS MEMBER NEWS
From: Global Affairs Canada
May 29, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Creating the right conditions for Canadian companies to compete internationally is an important part of the Government of Canada’s progressive trade agenda. Expanding and diversifying Canada’s trade and investment relations contributes directly to the economy and benefits hard-working Canadians.
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, and His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of negotiations toward a bilateral foreign investment promotion and protection agreement (FIPA) between Canada and the U.A.E.
The economic relationship between the U.A.E. and Canada has deepened over the last 12 months, with increased investments, transportation links and ties between peoples. The FIPA is another step in further developing Canada’s strategic relationship with the U.A.E.
During the visit of Sheikh Abdullah, on which he was accompanied by four other U.A.E. cabinet ministers, ministers and officials from both Canada and the U.A.E. discussed how this new agreement, once in force, will deepen economic ties and expand investment opportunities for businesses in both countries.
A bilateral FIPA will provide greater predictability and certainty for Canadian investors considering investments in the U.A.E. and for U.A.E. investors in Canada, while also ensuring that Canada’s progressive trade agenda is supported. In the coming months, Canada and the U.A.E. will take the necessary domestic procedures to prepare for signing and entry into force of the agreement.
“The conclusion of the negotiations toward a foreign investment promotion and protection agreement will further strengthen the economic partnership between Canada and the U.A.E. and is another important step in solidifying our growing bilateral relationship. Diversifying our trade and investment ties with a strategic partner such as the U.A.E. is central to Canada’s progressive agenda and will contribute to the growth and prosperity of both our countries.” François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade
“The conclusion of the negotiations toward a foreign investment promotion and protection agreement will further strengthen the economic partnership between Canada and the U.A.E. and is another important step in solidifying our growing bilateral relationship. Diversifying our trade and investment ties with a strategic partner such as the U.A.E. is central to Canada’s progressive agenda and will contribute to the growth and prosperity of both our countries.”
François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade
On July 8, 2014, Canada and the U.A.E. agreed to begin negotiations toward a foreign investment promotion and protection agreement.
In 2017, bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and the U.A.E. totalled $1.8 billion.
Foreign direct investment is a key area of common interest with the U.A.E., with investments in Canada totalling $3.9 billion in 2017.
The U.A.E. is Canada’s largest export market in the Middle East and North Africa, and is Canada’s 21st-largest export market globally.
Source: www.canada.ca
But Emiratis must still file an electronic travel authorisation to be screened before travelling
Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a meeting with Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, in Ottawa. The UAE delegation included by Sultan Bin Saeed Al Manso uri, Shamma Suhail Faris Al Mazroui, Omar Sultan Al Olama, and Fahd Saeed Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to Canada.
Dubai: The UAE passport has another feather in its cap as one of the world’s most powerful passports following a Monday decision by the Canadian government to lift pre-entry visa restrictions on Emiratis travelling to that country.
Now ranked as the 23rd most powerful passport, visa-free access to Canada now enables UAE citizens to travel to 155 countries around the world without obtaining pre-entry visas.
Canada is the ninth country this year to lift visa restrictions for UAE nationals following countries such as China, Ireland, Burkina Faso, Uruguay, Guinea, Tonga and Honduras.
Citizens of the UAE can now obtain a visa upon arrival when visiting Canada, said officials following a high-level meeting on Monday between Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Ahmad Hussen.
The new travel rules take effect on June 5.
Emiratis who study or temporarily work in Canada will still need to apply for a study or work permit as the new rules apply only to visitors and those transiting through the country on international flights.
“United Arab Emirates is a key strategic partner and lifting the visa requirement will help reaffirm the strong relationship between our two countries. It will also promote increased tourism, cultural, academic and study exchanges, as well as foster new business, trade, and investment opportunities,” said Hussen in a statement.
Canada enjoys a growing relationship with the UAE where 40,000 Canadians live and work.
As many as 150 Canadian companies do business in the UAE as well.
The new visa announcement follows Hussen’s first visit in May 2017 to the UAE on a formal mission to boost Canada’s destination profile abroad and introduce a fast-track strategy to attract educated, skilled workers to Canada.
At the time, Hussen met with high-level UAE government and education officials in Abu Dhabi and was front and centre at a low-key, meet-and-greet gathering alongside Masud Hussain, Ambassador of Canada to the UAE
“The UAE is a very important country for Canada and I am here to reinforce that message,” Hussen told Gulf News during his visit. “In that capacity, I am here to encourage more tourism from the UAE, more international students from the UAE and more business travellers from this country.”
The ministry said on Monday that the travel visa exemption was reached after extensive review and was based on “a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of the UAE against Canada’s visa policy criteria. The evaluation found that the UAE meets Canada’s criteria for a visa exemption”.
(With Reports from Abdulla Rasheed, Abu Dhabi Editor)
Canada and the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) have a deeply rooted relationship, and yesterday the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, hosted a successful bilateral meeting with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the U.A.E.’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The ministers discussed their desire to build on existing relations to expand trade and investment between Canada and the U.A.E. They also discussed Middle East regional security issues.
In addition, Minister Freeland and Sheikh Abdullah discussed the need to coordinate a global response to the Rohingya crisis. Minister Freeland debriefed Sheikh Abdullah on Canada’s strategy, unveiled on May 23, 2018, to respond to the Rohingya crisis.
The ministers also noted the conclusion of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to increase cooperation on consular affairs. The MOU will establish a joint committee comprising representatives of the two countries who will meet regularly to discuss consular matters and help to resolve ongoing consular issues and cases.
“I was glad to hold constructive discussions today with His Highness Sheikh Abdullah to find solutions to global and regional crises. Canada and the United Arab Emirates have a strong and long-standing relationship, and I look forward to continuing to build on this important friendship and to cooperating even more closely with the U.A.E. in the near future.’’ - Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs
“I was glad to hold constructive discussions today with His Highness Sheikh Abdullah to find solutions to global and regional crises. Canada and the United Arab Emirates have a strong and long-standing relationship, and I look forward to continuing to build on this important friendship and to cooperating even more closely with the U.A.E. in the near future.’’
- Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs
During the U.A.E. delegation’s visit to Canada this week, discussions between Canadian officials and the delegation also touched on cooperation in the areas of innovation, education, youth and space.
During this visit, the Government of Canada also announced its intention to lift the visa requirement for U.A.E. citizens on June 5, 2018. This decision is based on a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of the U.A.E. against Canada’s visa policy criteria, which found that the U.A.E. meets Canada’s criteria for a visa exemption.
In December 2017, Canada and the U.A.E. signed a defence cooperation arrangement to help advance shared interests, including increased personnel training opportunities, defence engagement and the promotion of regional stability.
The U.A.E. is home to an estimated 40,000 Canadians, and 150 Canadian companies have an operational presence there.
The U.A.E. is Canada’s largest export market in the Middle East and North Africa and is Canada’s 16th-largest export market globally.
On May 24, Canada announced its intention to become a member of the International Renewable Energy Agency, which is hosted in Abu Dhabi. The U.A.E. is recognized as a regional leader in efforts to combat climate change.
May 28, 2018 — Ottawa, ON – Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Ahmed Hussen, announced today during a meeting with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, that the Government is lifting the visa requirement for UAE citizens on June 5, 2018.
This decision is based on a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of the UAE against Canada’s visa policy criteria. The evaluation found that the UAE meets Canada’s criteria for a visa exemption.
Emirati citizens will no longer need a visa as of 5:30 a.m. ET (1:30 p.m. Gulf Standard Time) on June 5, 2018, to travel to Canada for short stays (normally for up to six months) for business, to visit family and friends or for tourism.
However, Emirati citizens, similar to other visa-exempt travellers, will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through a Canadian airport. The eTA allows Canadian officials to screen travellers for admissibility before they board their flight to Canada. Emiratis will be able to apply online for an eTAafter 5:30 a.m. ET (1:30 p.m. Gulf Standard Time) on June 5.
In the meantime, they can continue to apply online for a visitor visa, or use the services of one of the visa application centres (VACs), including the VAC in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.
“The United Arab Emirates is a key strategic partner and lifting the visa requirement will help reaffirm the strong relationship between our two countries. It will also promote increased tourism, cultural, academic and study exchanges, as well as foster new business, trade, and investment opportunities.” – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
“The United Arab Emirates is a key strategic partner and lifting the visa requirement will help reaffirm the strong relationship between our two countries. It will also promote increased tourism, cultural, academic and study exchanges, as well as foster new business, trade, and investment opportunities.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Canada has close people-to-people and business ties with the UAE.
Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need a valid Canadian passport to fly to Canada.
Permanent residents (PR) of Canada need a valid PR card or PR travel document to travel to Canada. As well, former residents of Canada could still have PR status. These travellers will need to resolve their status before they can fly to Canada.
Emiratis coming to study or work temporarily in Canada will still need to apply for a study or work permit even after the visa is lifted on June 5, 2018.
Copenhagen, Denmark, 24 May 2018 — Canada is set to become a Member of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) after confirming its intention to begin the membership applications process. Speaking on behalf of the Canadian Government, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources, Kim Rudd, made the announcement today during the ninth Clean Energy Ministerial in Copenhagen.
“Canada has been working hard, both at home and abroad, to lead the transition to a low-carbon future. Canada is a global leader in renewable energy and today, we are pleased to take further steps to grow its production across the country,” said Kim Rudd, Parliamentary Secretary to Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources. “International collaboration in this area is vital, which is why we are pleased that Canada intends to formalize its long-standing and robust partnership with IRENA, the largest intergovernmental organization promoting the widespread deployment and sustainable use of renewable energy.”
Renewable energy accounts for two-thirds of Canada’s power generation and just under 20 per cent of its total final energy supply thanks largely to significant hydropower resources, which make it the second largest producer of hydropower in the world. Renewable power generation in Canada increased from 78 gigawatts (GW) in 2009 to 99 GW in 2017. In addition to plentiful hydro resources, Canada also has significant wind, biomass, solar, marine and geothermal energy potential. For example, today, wind accounts for 5 per cent of electricity generation in Canada.
“Canada is an established energy powerhouse with tremendous potential to further scale-up its vast renewable energy resources as part of its low-carbon growth agenda,” said IRENA Director-General Adnan Z. Amin, commenting on the Canadian Government’s decision. “Through active engagement with IRENA and its Members, Canada will be well positioned to further strengthen its role in shaping the global energy transformation agenda and contribute its considerable knowledge and experience to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future.
“Our near universal membership reflects the centrality of renewable energy to energy and economic policies all over the world, at a time of intensified global efforts to tackle climate change and implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We look forward to working closely with Canada through our inclusive global platform,” concluded Mr. Amin.
So far in 2018, in addition to welcoming three new member states, Ukraine, Paraguay and Chad, Canada and Brazil have announced their intention to join the Agency. Currently, 181 countries and the European Union are engaged in IRENA’s work.
Source: www.irena.org
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5APJ1wVNYqw
25 January 2018. The importance of Canada to DP World's global operations and the global trade enabler's commitment to the country were a focus of discussions between DP World group chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a bilateral meeting at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
Bin Sulayem presented an update of the global trade enabler's activities in all its locations and conveyed the importance of the country in its growth strategy. He underlined DP World's commitment to Canada and continuing appreciation of the support of the Canadian government.
He also detailed how DP World supports the national economy through its range of operations, community engagement and investment commitments including terminals in Vancouver and Prince Rupert on the west coast and Saint John, New Brunswick, on the east.
Bin Sulayem stressed the employment opportunities and ongoing partnership with First Nation communities as evidence of how DP World works closely with local people. This was particularly evident in Prince Rupert where DP World operates the Fairview Container Terminal. DP World completed the Phase 2 North expansion of Prince Rupert in August 2017 raising capacity to 1.35 million TEU, making it capable of handling the largest vessels afloat. It is an economic engine for the community there and a key asset with 65 per cent of Canadian exports to Asia originating in British Columbia, ideal for the development of export logistics.
"We believe that every community we work with is part of the DP World family and we are delighted to have Canadians as family members, enriching our business," he said.
News source: Khaleej Times
Back from left: Mohammed Hamad Al Hameli, Acting Undersecretary at DoH; His Excellency Masud Husain, Canadian Ambassador in the UAE; H.E. Sultan Al Harbi, UAE Consul General in Toronto. Front from left: Jeff Mainland, Executive Vice President, SickKids; Majd Abu Zant, Chief Operating Officer at UEMedical.
A clinical partnership agreement between The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children and HealthPlus Network of Specialty Centers, part of United Eastern Medical Services (UEMedical) Group, was announced in Abu Dhabi. The agreement will collaborate and advance paediatric services in Abu Dhabi as it covers the exchange of experience and knowledge; the training of physicians and nurses; and placing SickKids-trained physicians at Danat Al Emarat Hospital to care for complicated cases utilizing SickKids International clinical protocols and standards.
The agreement was endorsed by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and the Canadian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The agreement was announced by Jeff Mainland, Executive Vice President at SickKids, and Majd Abu Zant, Chief Operating Officer at UEMedical. Also in attendance were Cathy Seguin, Vice President, SickKids International; Mohammed Hamad Al Hameli, Acting Undersecretary at DoH; His Excellency Masud Husain, Canadian Ambassador in the UAE; H.E. Sultan Al Harbi, UAE Consul General in Toronto; and a number of senior officials from both parties.
“We are really pleased to announce our clinical partnership agreement with Danat Al Emarat Hospital and HealthPlus Children’s Center and to bring SickKids expertise to the community of Abu Dhabi and the UAE,” said Seguin. “We have cared for many Emirati kids suffering from complex life-threatening diseases in the past decade and have considered transferring our expertise closer to home for patients. We were very selective with whom to partner with: UEMS and SickKids share similar visions and values, thus, our partnership with UEMedical is aiming to jointly improve children’s health through health-care integration, research and education. We certainly anticipate a long-lasting partnership with UEMedical that benefits the health outcomes for children in UAE and the region.”
“In line with our commitment to advance paediatric care in Abu Dhabi, our partnership with the internationally renowned SickKids Hospital aims to enhance the quality of tertiary paediatric services at Danat Al Emarat Hospital. It represents a crucial milestone in UEMedical’s strategy to sustain one of the finest private health systems for the Emirate,” said Majd Abu Zant. “To complement Danat Al Emarat’s well-established Paediatrics Department and its full-fledge 23-bed Neonatal Intensive Care level III which is considered one of the largest in Abu Dhabi private sector, we looked at highly demanded clinical specialties which are not available in the private sector and people travel abroad for. Thus, the initial services that will be supported by SickKids will include paediatric orthopedics, paediatric gastroenterology, paediatric pulmonology and paediatric neurology. SickKids trained physicians will be working at Danat Al Emarat Hospital and will provide care for complicated and rare cases.”
After the signing ceremony, Mohammed Hamad Al Hameli said, “Bringing in specialized paediatric service lines in the private sector helps fill in capacity gaps which were announced recently by DoH. Moreover, such international partnerships represent another step for Abu Dhabi healthcare sector in the realization of the UAE leaders’ vision to provide the people of the UAE with quality care comparable to international standards and bringing in international expertise and medical excellence to the region. It also comes in line with the DoH strategic priorities in enhancing tertiary paediatric care accessibility, and improving clinical outcomes through partnering with world renowned academic medical institutions. This directly helps in eliminating the need for patients to travel abroad for treatment.”
“Canada is well-known for its strong healthcare infrastructure and leads in medical research and innovation. We are indeed proud to witness and to support the collaboration between SickKids and Danat Al Emarat Hospital in bringing Canadian medical expertise to the UAE. This is reflective of the strong ties and the mutual trust between the UAE and Canada,” said His Excellency Masud Husain.
The agreement also involves training of physicians from Danat Al Emarat Hospital at SickKids.
About The Hospital for Sick ChildrenThe Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is recognized as one of the world’s foremost paediatric health-care institutions and is Canada’s leading centre dedicated to advancing children’s health through the integration of patient care, research and education. Founded in 1875 and affiliated with the University of Toronto, SickKids is one of Canada’s most research-intensive hospitals and has generated discoveries that have helped children globally. Its mission is to provide the best in complex and specialized child and family-centred care; pioneer scientific and clinical advancements; share expertise; foster an academic environment that nurtures health-care professionals; and champion an accessible, comprehensive and sustainable child health system. SickKids is proud of its vision for Healthier Children. A Better World. For more information, please visit www.sickkids.ca. Follow us on Twitter (@SickKidsNews) and Instagram (@SickKidsToronto).
News source: SickKids website
18 December 2017 | His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, received on Monday Harjit Sajjan, the visiting Canadian Minister of National Defence, at his Majlis in Al Bahr Palace.
H.H. Sheikh Mohamed and Sajjan discussed ways of enhancing cooperation ties to the best interest of the two sides. They also reviewed coordination in military and defence affairs between the two countries. They exchanged views on the latest developments in the region, and the two countries' efforts to ensure security, peace and stability.
Among those who attended the meeting were H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler`s Representative in Al Ain Region, H.H. Sheikh Surour bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler`s Representative, H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care & Special Needs, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, and a number of Sheikhs and top officials.
The meeting was also attended by Fahad Al Raqbani, Ambassador of the UAE to Canada and Masud Husain, Ambassador of Canada to the UAE.
News source: Emirates News Agency
Nova Chemical announced two large-scale investments in the Sarnia-Lambton area worth more than $2 billion Friday.
9 December 2017 | The company plans to expand its Corunna cracker by approximately 50 per cent to provide ethylene feedstock to a new polyethylene facility that will increase Nova's production of the plastic used for bags, pipes, consumer electronics and other household goods by 450 kilotonnes per year.
Sarnia still fighting for Nova Chemical expansion
Nova Chemicals invests $300M in Sarnia-Lambton facilities
"We are pleased to be moving forward with this growth opportunity and thankful for the support from the provincial government," stated Naushad Jamani, a Nova senior vice president. "With this investment, we are bringing innovation to the North American and global marketplace, investing in our highly skilled people and creating a solid future for the communities in which we operate."
He pointed to Nova's "talented teams across Canada" and the strong support of the community as big factors in making the projects possible.
Province contributing $100M
Officials with the Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership celebrated the announcement as a reflection of the company's "confidence" in the region's economy.
"I am confident that our highly-skilled workforce will play a key role in this world-scale polyethylene facility using the best practices and environmental technologies that Sarnia-Lambton has become well known for," stated CEO Stephen Thompson.
The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada thanked the province for contributing $100 million to the project, which the organization said will create 2,000 direct and indirect jobs over its first 10 years.
Sites for both projects are being prepared ahead of a start-up date in late 2021.
News source: CBC News
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