Tuesday 14 November 2023
The Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, His Excellency The Honourable Ralph Goodale, has visited Guernsey. This is the first time the High Commissioner has come to the island and follows engagement with him and his team in London.
During his time in Guernsey, the High Commissioner met the President and other members of the Policy & Resources Committee, the Committee forEducation, Sport & Culture, and the Committee for Economic Development. Meetings with politicians focussed on the island's current priorities, economic and trade matters, financial services, and cultural and educational links with Canada. Mr Goodale also met industry representatives and local businesses which have links with Canada.
As part of the visit, the High Commissioner was also able to view exhibits from the Guernsey Museum collection which highlight historic links between Guernsey and Canada. This included items related to Sir Isaac Brock, as well as items linked to the Occupation.
President of the Policy & Resources Committee, Deputy Peter Ferbrache said:
"It was a privilege and pleasure to welcome the Canadian High Commissioner, His Excellency The Honourable Ralph Goodale, to Guernsey for his first visit to the island.
As Guernsey continues to develop its international identity and bilateral relations with partners around the world, this visit provided a timely opportunity to discuss a range of topics which are priorities both for our island and for Canada, including economic and trade links.
The visit also enabled us to acknowledge the historic links between our jurisdictions, particularly through Major General Sir Isaac Brock. Valued connections have arisen from that shared history, including the academic scholarship available for local students to attend Brock University each year and various trips to Canada that have been arranged for students through the Guernsey Music Service.
Guernsey's government wants to continue to strengthen the bilateral relationship with Canada and looks forward to doing so with His Excellency and his team at the High Commission in London."
