Ottawa, CANADA (14 February, 2018) – On 14 February, the Federation’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Canada, Her Excellency Sherry Tross, presented her letters of introduction to Canadian Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Justin P. J. Trudeau.
During the Parliament Hill meeting, High Commissioner Tross extended greetings on behalf of the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis. Her Excellency informed Prime Minister Trudeau that both the Federation’s Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Timothy S. Harris, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Mark A. G. Brantley, have placed a premium on further strengthening the relationship with Canada.
Prime Minister Trudeau welcomed the commitment to closer cooperation – both at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.
High Commissioner Tross capitalized on the opportunity to commend Canada for its leadership in the areas of sustainable development, climate change and education, including prioritizing women and girls in its international development policy. The High Commissioner underlined that St. Kitts and Nevis has a strong tradition of elevating women in public service, and underlined that one needs only look at the St. Kitts and Nevis mission in Ottawa as evidence which, thus far, has only been led by female Heads of Mission.
During the brief encounter, High Commissioner Tross and Prime Minister Trudeau also discussed substantive hemispheric issues such as democracy and good governance and Canada’s $100-million pledge to aid the Caribbean in becoming climate resilient. Canada’s campaign to gain a seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2021-2022 term was also discussed.
Both the High Commissioner and the Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of dialogue across a host of issues including immigration, security and travel as well as continued development cooperation.
