Canada-Dominica relations
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Bilateral relations
Canada and the Commonwealth of Dominica have enjoyed longstanding diplomatic relations since 1978, when Dominica gained independence. Our relationship is based on multilateral and development cooperation as well as strong people-to-people ties, including tourism and educational exchanges. The natural beauty and remarkable biodiversity of Dominica draws thousands of Canadian tourists to the island every year.
Canada is represented in Dominica by the High Commission of Canada in Barbados, which opened in 1967.
Trade relations
Commercial relations between Canada and Dominica are modest but have potential for growth. In 2021, Canada’s merchandise exports to Dominica totaled $5.9M, and merchandise imports from Dominica totaled $613,600.
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Development
Canada’s development program is focused on mutual priorities, such as climate and economic resilience, sustainable and inclusive governance, and advancing of gender equality.
Following the devastating 2017 hurricane season in the Caribbean, Canada announced a 5-year $100 million Pledge for Caribbean Reconstruction and Economic and Climate Resilience to support Dominica and the region in reconstruction and climate resilience. The pledge was fulfilled in 2022 and included support for the establishment of the Climate Resilience Executing Agency of Dominica (CREAD), and technical assistance to strengthen the government’s response to natural disasters. Canada also supported disaster risk insurance coverage for Dominica and helped rebuild climate-resilient primary schools. Dominica continues to benefit from Canada’s support to for natural disaster planning and response through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).
At the CARICOM Intersessional Meeting in February 2020, Canada announced an additional $61.5 million in new commitments for resilience, technical assistance and education exchanges for the Caribbean. This includes, for example, the Canada-CARICOM Expert Deployment Mechanism, which provides technical assistance to CARICOM governments, including Dominica, to help diversify and strengthen the economy, build climate resilient communities, and reduce gender and economic inequalities. Canada also provided additional disaster risk insurance coverage for Dominica over the 2019-2022 period, and launched a new partnership to develop climate-smart agriculture on the island.
Canada’ support further extends to regional engagements in areas such as statistics for policy making, public financial management, climate adaptation and mitigation in key sectors for women, and building the capacity of local women’s rights organizations. During the COVID-19 crisis, Canada redirected programming to respond to Dominica and Caribbean needs, including to address gender-based violence, income support and essential services, training and technical assistance for health professionals, as well as supplies and protective equipment.
Dominica also benefits from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, and Canada’s support through non-governmental organizations. Dominica and Canada collaborate closely in key regional and multilateral fora and institutions, such as the Caribbean Development Bank.
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Operations
Security
Canada and Dominica enjoy strong cooperation in enhancing security in the Caribbean. We collaborate through Canada’s Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program to combat cybercrime, drug trafficking, money laundering and other crimes. Canada supports the Regional Security System, which provides training to security forces in member states, including Dominica. In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017, the Canadian Armed Forces supported relief and recovery efforts in Dominica.
Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to global challenges, Canada and Dominica work closely in multilateral fora, such as:
- Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
- Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)
- The Commonwealth
- International Criminal Court (ICC)
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
- La Francophonie
- Organization of American States (OAS)
- Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)
- Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
- United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- World Bank (WB)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
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