Visit of the Lithuania's Minister of Economy and Innovation to Canada
During meetings in Ottawa with Canadian officials—including Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, Parliamentary Secretaries Yasir Naqvi and Carlos Leitão, as well as members of the Canada–Lithuania Parliamentary Friendship Group and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly—discussions focused on expanding cooperation in the defence and security industries, life sciences, information and communication technologies, financial technologies, and cybersecurity.
In Toronto, the minister met with representatives of the Government of Ontario, including Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli, and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho. The discussions covered priorities related to economic growth, innovation, investment, and tourism promotion. Meetings were also held with members of the Council of Canadian Innovators and representatives of Ontario’s life sciences sector, where both sides agreed to strengthen partnerships in advanced technologies and life sciences. At a business event organized by the Canada–Lithuania Chamber of Commerce, which brought together more than 50 business representatives, the minister emphasized Canada’s importance as a reliable and promising economic partner and encouraged businesses to further expand joint initiatives.
In Calgary, meetings with Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, Joseph Schow, and representatives of local high-tech companies explored opportunities for cooperation in life sciences, defence, information and communication technologies, artificial intelligence, and other innovative sectors.
The visit also placed strong emphasis on engagement with the Lithuanian community in Canada. Minister Grikšas visited educational, cultural, and social institutions in Toronto, met with the Lithuanian community in Calgary, and held discussions with leaders of Lithuanian organizations in Canada.
During the visit to Alberta, the minister also attended the opening of the Honorary Consulate of Lithuania in Calgary.
