Embassy of Switzerland in Ottawa
The Embassy of Switzerland in Ottawa is in charge of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Canada. The objective of the Embassy is to facilitate and strengthen the political, economical and cultural relations between the two countries as well as to promote Swiss interests in Canada, with the support of the Swiss Consulates General in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. The Olympic Games in Vancouver and Whistler are an exceptional occasion to further develop the friendly and already excellent Canadian-Swiss relations.
Switzerland is the 5th largest foreign direct investor in Canada and one of the most important countries of origin of foreign direct investments worldwide. Economically, Switzerland as a small country in the heart of Europe is punching above its size. The relations between Canada and Switzerland have their roots back in the 17th century, when the first Swiss emigrants arrived in Canada and predominantly were engaged in farming and trade. In the late 19th and early 20th century numerous Swiss mountain guides found a livelihood and a new home in Canada. The several summits in the Rocky Mountains named by Swiss regions still remind us of the Swiss pioneers who conquered many peaks back in those days. After World War II, the professional background of Swiss immigrants diversified. Today, Canada hosts the fifth largest Swiss colony in the world (38.200 Swiss nationals). Canada is not just a very attractive location for Swiss individuals but also for companies. The economic ties between our two countries are strong. Canada is Switzerland’s 5th most important trading partner in the world after the EU, the USA, Japan and China. On the occasion of the World Economic Forum in Davos/Switzerland in January of 2008, Canada and the member states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). It came into force on July 1st 2009. Thereby, the economic ties between Canada and Switzerland will be strengthened significantly.
The Embassy of Switzerland congratulates Canada on organising the Winter Games and wishes great success.
