Economic mission to Canada - First day

While the mission focuses more specifically on economic collaboration in the digital and technological sectors with a concern for integrating environmental issues, the Canada-Luxembourg partnership takes place in a complex international context that highlights the common values shared by both countries as democracies, inclusive and cosmopolitan societies and open economies. This relationship is also rooted in the history of the Grand Ducal Family, which had found shelter in Quebec during the Second World War:

This relationship is also rooted in the history of the Grand Ducal Family, which had found shelter in Quebec during the Second World War:

Ontario's Deputy Minister for Economic Development, Mrs. Maud Murray, opened the Luxembourg-Ontario Business Forum connecting Luxembourg and Ontario companies, Canada's economically heavy weight province. The seminars highlighted the opportunities specific to each market, with a potential for new cooperation and innovation. The organisation of working groups allowed for productive exchanges on current topics such as cybersecurity, health technologies or fintech.

In his speech, the Prince recalled the central role of innovation in the development of the Canada-Luxembourg relationship as well as its role in the future of our society.

HRH the Crown Prince and Mr Fayot had lunch with Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. The discussions centered on the political, economic and social situation. A particular focus was put on the international situation and the management of the crisis in Ukraine, given that Canada is home to one of the largest Ukrainian diasporas in the world.

Images courtesy of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

The event, organised by Startup Luxembourg and the Canadian incubator DMZ, presented the start-up environment of Toronto and Luxembourg through six pitches of young innovative and internationally oriented companies from Ontario and Luxembourg.

The Grand Duchy was represented by the tech start-ups A352 (a data aggregator software for the financial sector), Passbolt (an open source password manager) and No Big Deal (a recruitment platform for tech profiles).

The Crown Prince was happy to see the creativity of the younger generation of entrepreneurs being encouraged by incubators. Toronto provides great potential as one of the most important tech hubs in North America. Prince Guillaume particularly welcomed the relations between the University of Luxembourg and the universities of Toronto.

To conclude the first day, the economic delegation met with a hundred representatives of Ontario companies at a networking reception aimed at facilitating exchanges and strengthening the economic ties between Canada and Luxembourg.

During the reception, His Royal Highness highlighted the friendship between the two countries and the common values inherent in this relationship: