Canada–Portugal relations
Canada |
Portugal |
---|
Canada–Portugal relations are the bilateral relations between Canada and Portugal.
Diplomatic relations between Canada and Portugal officially began in 1946.
Trade
In 2012, bilateral merchandise trade totalled (CAD) $434.4 million. Canada's exports at $124.3 million, was down from $225.4 million in 2011, due to significantly reduced domestic consumption in Portugal. Oilseeds, cereals, canola oil, machinery, paper and paperboard were among the leading export goods from Canada to Portugal. Imports from Portugal in 2012 were $310.1 million, down from $357.6 million in 2011. Wines, iron/steel, mineral fuels and oils (crude), footwear and cork among the leading export goods from Portugal to Canada.[1]
Diplomatic missions
Canada has an embassy in Lisbon while Portugal has an embassy in Ottawa.
Portuguese communities
There are around 400 000 people in Canada of Portuguese ancestry, being either immigrants or descended from immigrants. Canada opened its doors to Portuguese immigration in 1953; most Portuguese Canadians trace their families back to the Azores Islands. There is a Portuguese community in Toronto. This area where most Portuguese Canadians live is called Little Portugal. There is also one in Montréal and around 20 000 Portuguese in Vancouver, with 34 000 in the province of British Columbia. Smaller Portuguese communities exist in Calgary, Winnipeg and other cities. There is a long history of Portuguese fishermen in Newfoundland, going back to the 16th century.
See also
- Portugal–United States relations
- Canada–European Union relations
- Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement