New British consul-general for western Canada looks to deepen ties between countries

The brand new British consul-general for western Canada is trying to deepen the connection between the 2 international locations, particularly round tech.

“We’ve got some good buying and selling relationships already. I feel there’s extra that we will do,” Jonathan Turner stated Tuesday.

Turner, who changed Caroline Saunders as consul-general for Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba in June, stated he’s seen good hyperlinks between trade and academic establishments within the Canadian provinces and the UK.

“I feel there’s much more we will do to encourage better cooperation,” Turner stated. “There’s issues that we will do within the government-government degree as effectively, sharing concepts round some key areas of know-how, be it clear tech, agriculture, well being, (and) a complete load of different issues — I feel that we will actually look to deepen that relationship.”

Turner shared his ideas on the area and his new position throughout a webinar hosted by the Canada West Basis. In line with basis president and CEO Gary Mar, viewers had been from numerous ranges of presidency, funding banks, legislation companies, universities, clear tech and agrifoods.

Turner’s earlier put up was in Singapore, as regional director for financial commerce and coverage in southeast Asia. He stated his background in financial improvement led to being tapped for the position representing the British authorities in Canada.

When the Brexit transition interval formally completed on Jan. 1, the U.Ok. additionally left the Canada-EU Complete Financial Commerce Settlement. The 2 international locations then signed the Canada-UK Trade Continuity Agreement that got here into impact on April 1, persevering with the elimination of 98 per cent of tariffs on Canadian exports and granting preferential entry to the U.Ok. market.

Turner stated thinks British firms may see progress alternatives from the Canadian area in sectors like infrastructure, foods and drinks, and cyber protection.

He stated western Canada’s experience in vitality and clear tech could be well-received within the U.Ok.

Turner cautioned in opposition to oversimplifying the causes of reported gasoline and pure fuel shortages within the U.Ok. and Europe whereas COP 26 was being hosted in Glasgow, Scotland.

“The transition to wash vitality is a serious geopolitical shift — there’s no two methods about that — and that can create some challenges alongside the way in which,” the consul common stated. “However I don’t suppose that must be an argument to row again on our local weather commitments.

“I feel it redoubles our want to have a look at our vitality combine, to have a look at what’s inflicting a few of these world imbalances.”

Requested concerning the position the British authorities may have within the work of fact and reconciliation within the nation, Turner stated he admired the “spirit of openness” and the willingness to dig into an ignoble a part of Canada’s historical past.

“It’s one thing that I’ve been talking with a number of individuals once I’ve been doing visits and issues like that to grasp the views from the Indigenous group, and I feel that’s one thing I may most likely do extra of.”

Based mostly in Calgary, the consul-general stated he had already had a chance to go to Manitoba in October and anticipated to go to cities in Saskatchewan on the finish of the month. These and different visits confirmed him the established connection and affinity the western provinces have with the British isles.

“We’ve acquired so many widespread targets globally, whether or not that’s engaged on new applied sciences, a few of our values that we each maintain, ensuring that we’ve got these values, to issues like tackling local weather change and making the most of developments in know-how,” Turner stated.

“Broadly, from my perspective and from what my colleagues inform me throughout our Canada community, is that the connection is a very sturdy one and it’s persevering with to develop.”