Canada Plans ‘Full-Court Press’ in Indiana
The consul general of Canada is looking to bring the economic relationship between Indiana and Canada out from under the radar. Douglas George will meet with business, legislative and community leaders throughout the state next week as part of "Canada Week in Indiana." He says the ever-expanding relationship has created a "joint economy" of sorts, adding Indiana sells more goods to Canada than the state’s next five largest foreign markets combined.
The Consulate General of Canada in Detroit says, in 2014, Canada’s trade with Indiana topped $20 billion, and suggests nearly 190,000 Hoosier jobs depend on that trade. George says Indiana’s sells more to Canada than the entire United States does to France.
The goal of Canada Week in Indiana, says George, is to "create a splash" and prompt businesses to "think Canada" when looking for growth opportunities.
George’s schedule will bring him to Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Lafayette and South Bend/Elkhart. His events this week include a presentation to Fort Wayne business leaders, a legislative reception in Indianapolis, a presentation at Purdue University, a classroom visit at the University of Notre Dame and trips to companies involved in Indiana-Canada trade.
The Consulate General of Canada in Detroit represents Canada’s government in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky. George, a thirty-year career diplomat, leads the office. He previously served as Canada’s ambassador to Kuwait.
Consul General of Canada Douglas George says the ever-expanding relationship still has room to grow.