Canada government to open consular office in Armenia, if re-elected

PanARMENIAN.Net - A re-elected Canadian Conservative government would strengthen ties with Armenia by opening a new trade and consular office in Yerevan, Minister of National Defense and Multiculturalism said.

“The pledge to open a trade and consular office demonstrates the Conservative government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening commercial and social ties with Armenia," Jason Kenney announced Tuesday, September 8, at a town hall with the Armenian community. “Canada-Armenia trade is increasing rapidly and this new office will help spur even more growth. That’s good news for the economies of both of our countries.”

This past year under the Harper Conservative Government, trade between Canada and Armenia totaled nearly $120 million, a 1700% increase compared to 2005. Canadian imports from Armenia have tripled and Canadian exports to Armenia have increased 6000% since 2005. A new trade office would further Canada’s growing trade ties with Armenia by supporting Canadian companies doing business in Armenia, supporting export development, providing and enhancing economic relations between both countries.

The consular services office would process temporary resident applications and assist with citizenship-related matters, further improving tourism and immigration from Armenia. More than 4,000 visitor visas have been issued to Armenians under the Harper government, a 40% increase over the previous Liberal government. Currently, temporary resident applications are processed in Moscow.

Shortly after the Conservatives were elected, the Government of Canada formally recognized the Armenian Genocide in 2006. The Honourable Chris Alexander visited Armenia earlier this year to attend centennial commemoration events. “Canada’s Armenian community has made enormous contributions to Canada, going back more than a century,” Jason Kenney stated. “After first being elected in 2006, our Conservative Government acted quickly to reverse 13 years of Liberal failure and lack of engagement with the Armenian-Canadian community. Armenian-Canadians can continue to count on Conservatives to act on issues of importance to the community and to foster greater ties with Armenia.”