North America - Canada

The following links provide extensive country information by various government agencies and other external sources. The topics covered include, but are not limited to: general, economic and political information, tax and tariff information, documentation needed for exporting, and business climate.

Department of Commerce CCG's are prepared by US Embassy Staff. Included in the CCG is a section on Canada.

Trade Information Center

Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT)

DFAIT is responsible for the promotion and protection of Canada's interests abroad and the conduct of Canada's foreign and diplomatic relations with other countries and international organizations. DFAIT responsibilities also include the coordination of Canada's economic relations, fostering the expansion of Canada's international trade, and overseeing the Export and Import Permits Act which authorizes the government to control and monitor the transborder flow of specified goods, and for the Special Economic Measures Act which authorizes the government to apply economic sanctions in response to a serious threat to international peace and security.

Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC)

CCC assists in the development of trade between Canada and other nations. It does so as a prime contractor and guarantor for sales by Canadian exporters to foreign governments and international organizations, as well as private sector buyers. The agency's CCC's mission is to increase Canadian export sales by providing and delivering new and improved export services to an expanded client base.

Industry Canada (IC)

IC has a mandate to make Canada more competitive by fostering the growth of Canadian business, promoting a fair and efficient marketplace for businesses and consumers, and encouraging scientific research and technology diffusion. These objectives are accomplished through improving conditions for trade and investment in the Canadian economy, improving Canada's innovation performance and facilitating the transition to the knowledge-based economy, working with Canadian companies to increase Canada's share of global trade, and building a fair, efficient, and competitive marketplace for businesses and consumers.

Export Development Corporation (EDC)

EDC is a unique financial institution that assists Canadian businesses with export services and international investment. EDC provides trade finance solutions that enable exporters to compete in more than 200 countries, including higher-risk and emerging markets. EDC is a Crown corporation that operates as a commercial financial institution. The Corporation delivers its products and services through eight sector-based customer teams plus a cross-sector team dedicated to serving smaller exporters, supported by a network of centers of expertise that provide in-depth knowledge, research, analysis, and skills. The Corporation is governed by a board of directors composed of representatives from both the private and public sectors, and reports to the Canadian Parliament through the minister for international trade.

Revenue Canada

Revenue Canada is a federal department that oversees various tax credit programs and collects federal and some provincial income taxes. In addition, Revenue Canada collects customs and excise duties and, for provinces with agreements with the federal government, Revenue Canada collects provincial sales tax, tobacco taxes, and liquor markups and levies on non-commercial imports. The department also administers the border and trade aspects of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), World Trade Organization (WTO), as well as administering Canada's international tax agreements with other countries. Finally, Revenue Canada works in partnership with law enforcement agencies and other federal departments to protect Canadians and society as a whole by preventing illegal and dangerous goods and inadmissible people from entering Canada, and monitoring the movement of controlled and regulated goods.

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD)

WD is responsible for promoting the development and diversification of the economy of Western Canada, and advance the interests of the West in national economic policy. WD is involved in innovative partnerships with both the public and private sectors to address the information and financing needs of small and medium-size businesses in Western Canada. Working in cooperation with industry associations, financial institutions, and the four western provinces, WD works to address the needs of small business and business services. Resources are strategically targeted industries having the greatest potential for growth and that support the federal government's Jobs and Growth Strategy.

Economic Development Agency of Canada for Quebec Regions:

The Economic Development Agency of Canada for Quebec Regions (better known as Canada Economic Development, the Agency, or just CED) has its head office in Montreal and a network of 14 business offices across Quebec, as well as an office in Hull for liaison with the machinery of government.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

This government department is responsible for the development, adaptation, and competitiveness of the agriculture and agri-food sector of Canada through policies, programs, and services. Department policies are designed to help the agricultural sector maximize its contribution to Canada's economic and environmental objectives while providing equitable returns to producers and processors.

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