Canada – Saint Lucia Relations
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Canada has long enjoyed a close relationship with Saint Lucia but diplomatic relations were fully achieved when the country gained independence in 1979.
In Saint Lucia, Canada is represented by the High Commission of Canada in Barbados.
Canada’s good bilateral relations with Commonwealth Caribbean countries stem from a significant Caribbean diaspora in Canada, long-standing regional commercial links, and a long history of Canadian support for the region. A Canada-Saint Lucia Social Security Agreement was signed in 1988. Nearly 15,000 Canadian tourists visit Saint Lucia on an annual basis. There are direct flights from Toronto to Saint Lucia.
Outside of the British Commonwealth, cooperation between Canada and Saint Lucia is frequent within la Francophonie, the United Nations and the Organization of American States. Saint Lucia has signed and ratified the Landmines Convention and supported Canada's 1999-2000 election at the United Nations Security Council.
In the context of Cricket World Cup 2007, Canada provided Saint Lucia and other Caribbean countries with specialized assistance in the areas of border security and public health.
The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) provides a limited program of development assistance in Saint Lucia.
With regard to Canada’s trade relationship with Saint Lucia, bilateral merchandise trade in 2008 reached $13.9 million. Merchandise exports totalled $13.8 million including furniture and bedding, fish and seafood, electrical and electronic equipment and rubber. Imports to Canada from Saint Lucia totalled $155 000 in 2008 and included electrical and electronic equipment, scientific and precision instruments and knit apparel.
Discussions are underway between Canada and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which Saint Lucia is a member of, aimed at achieving a mutually beneficial trade agreement that provides significant economic benefits and takes into account the region's capacity constraints and vulnerabilities.
April 2009
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