Consulate General of Canada in Seattle

• Our offices will be closed in observance of the following holiday:

         Thursday 26 November 2009 (Thanksgiving)

Welcome to the Consulate General of Canada in Seattle Website.

The Consulate General of Seattle represents Canada and promotes Canadian interests in one of the most technologically and economically important regions of the United States - the Pacific Northwest states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. A long shared history and deep cultural affinity in this border region fosters a Canada-U.S. relationship that runs much deeper than simple trade or border statistics. As the quote inscribed on the Peace Arch Memorial at the Blaine/Douglas border crossing proudly reminds us, we truly are "Children of a Common Mother".

Seattle's four-state territory comprises nearly 25% of the landmass of the United States. Taken together, these states would rank 19^th among the world's leading economies with an annual gross regional product close to $500 billion and a combined population of 13 million. Situated on the Pacific Rim of North America, this region and its larger sibling to the south - California - are also the literal and figurative gateways to the Asia-Pacific economies and to North America's economic future.

Boeing. Microsoft. Nike. Starbucks. Amazon. Costco. Weyerhaeuser. The Gates Foundation. Some of America's best-known global companies were founded and largely remain based in Seattle and Portland, creating a global trade powerhouse that punches far above its weight relative to larger urban centers. Washington is the most trade-dependent state in the nation and the largest exporter on a per-capita basis. Canada is either the number one or number two trading partner for every state in the territory. Business with Canada is integral to virtually every sector of the Northwest economy from energy, aerospace and software to agriculture, lumber, mining and fisheries.

This is a region of innovation on trade, borders and security. As far back as the Columbia River and Pacific Salmon Treaties and as recently as the NEXUS program, Integrated Border Enforcement Teams (IBETS) and the Enhanced Driver's License, the Northwest has been willing and able lead on innovative approaches to Canada-U.S. relations. The Northwest has also been a laboratory for cross-border cooperation on the environment, in areas such as regional cross-border energy, water, air and species protection, and building joint responses to the challenges of climate change.

Heading into the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, B.C., the entire transboundary region is pulling together to ensure that Canada and British Columbia shine on the global stage, and show the world one of the closest, most innovative and most productive cross-border regions anywhere.

Common interests, shared values and the world's longest non-militarized borders characterize life in our shared continent. Familiarity and friendliness are the bywords of our relationship, but there are important and interesting differences between our two countries. These differences can present challenges, but also create mutually reinforcing strengths.

Further information can be obtained on the availability of local consular and immigration services, trade, investment, and cross-border partnership opportunities by following the links on this site. We hope this site will help you better understand Canada and its relationship with the United States and invite you to bookmark it and visit it often.