Conservative and Liberal Parties come together in Vancouver to emphasize importance of Canada- India relations

Vancouver, British Columbia, April 29, 2011: Following its roundtable discussions on Canada-India ties with the Conservative Party and the Liberal Party in Toronto, on April 5 and April 21 respectively, Canada India Foundation (CIF), a not-for-profit, non-partisan public policy organization,  held a joint roundtable discussion with the two parties in Vancouver on April 28, 2011, providing an opportunity for Charter Members of CIF and other prominent friends of the Canada-India corridor in Vancouver to dialogue on the need for Canada to develop stronger ties with India.

Speaking on behalf of the Conservative Party, The Hon. James Moore, acknowledged the recognition by previous Liberal governments of the rising importance of India globally and for Canada to expand bi-lateral relationships with India. The Conservative government is committed to moving forward with the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, he said, and highlighted the co-production agreements in the film industry that Canada and India have negotiated recently as an example. This will offer “endless opportunities” for both the Indian and Canadian film industries generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues while promoting culture of both countries.

The Hon. Joyce Murray, stated that “India offers huge economic opportunity for Canada” and it is extremely “important for Canada to focus on India.” The Liberals see the success of the previous Team Canada approach in expanding the relationship with India. She said personal relationships are key to building this relationship and the future Canadian prime minister must take a personal interest and involvement in relationship building.

Both Mr. Moore and Ms. Murray agreed that Canada should develop an overall and integrated strategy for engagement with India to promote the “Canada Brand” in India. Murray also said Canada must “capitalize on the strengths of the Indo-Canadians” in building the relationship with India.

On the question of integrating new immigrants into Canadian society, both parties are committed to providing resources for language and skill training to insure that new Canadians ‘ are successful in Canada’. Joyce Murray stated that the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) is an important tool in knitting all Canadians together and the Liberals will continue to fund CBC.

Both candidates welcomed the role that Canada India Foundation has been playing in promoting Canada-India relationships. They look forward to our involvement in the future. Mr. Moore suggested that CIF could be doing more in creating greater awareness in Canada about the success of the Indo-Canadians in Canada.

Barj Dhahan, Co-Chair of Canada India Foundation thanked Mr. Moore and Ms. Murray for taking time from their busy schedules just a few days prior to the election, underscoring the importance both parties attached to Canada India ties as part of their platform. He also thanked the participants in the roundtable and looked forward to their participation in similar events organized by CIF.

For more information about the event and Canada India Foundation, please write to Kalyan Sundaram at   info@canadaindia.org or call (416) 779-5237.