Our mandate

Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS), part of Global Affairs Canada (GAC), supports:

• exports
• foreign direct investment (FDI)
• science, technology and innovation (STI)

We work with businesses that contribute to Canada's economic growth and have the capacity and potential to succeed.

Trade Commissioners in our network of offices in Canada and around the world offer tailored support and services across a wide range of business sectors to help companies make informed, timely, and cost-effective decisions.

Under certain circumstances, the TCS also promotes Canada’s international economic interests in other ways, such as by supporting study in Canada and Canadian direct investment abroad. We identify and seek to resolve market access barriers, and to help businesses benefit from Canada’s free trade agreements.

The TCS also promotes high standards for responsible business conduct in all its work.

Trade Commissioners are proud employees of the Government of Canada. We seek to uphold the highest ethical standards in our work, including the protection of private information that is shared with us. According to our core values, we:

• are committed to client success
• strive for continuous improvement
• focus on collaboration
• foster a community of motivated and satisfied employees

We work with Canadian exporters and export-ready companies and other organizations that have the capacity to grow internationally. This means you have the capacity and resources to do business beyond the domestic market.

How to qualify for our services

Our network of Trade Commissioners operate in more than 160 cities worldwide and are typically located in Canada’s embassies and consulates.

Trade commissioners at regional offices across Canada can help you to:

• understand and access support from the global network of Trade Commissioners
• refine your business strategy
• identify target markets
• participate in certain domestic and international events and activities

Trade Commissioners outside of Canada may support you with:

• export advisory services, including market potential assessments, qualified contacts, and problem-solving
• referrals to international business opportunities and leads
• tailored events and activities
• market information and intelligence
• advocacy and outreach to local businesses and government

Learn more about our export advisory services and how to request them.

Contact a regional office to get started. 

Search by country to contact a trade office abroad.

We offer the following funding program for Canadian exporters:

• CanExport SMEs: Up to 50% of costs (to a maximum of $50,000) to help Canadian small and medium enterprises enter new international markets.

Trade Commissioners do not conduct sales and marketing on behalf of their clients. The TCS does not offer services for Canadian importers or for foreign companies that wish to export to Canada.

We provide support, advice and access to funding programs to help eligible Canadian innovators—companies, researchers, and organizations—seize global opportunities. Whether you're commercializing technology or forming international partnerships, we offer expert guidance and tailored support. We may connect you with:

• international partners  who have access to cutting-edge technology and world-class facilities and equipment
• global value chains
• R&D opportunities
• investors and funding
• innovation networks
• first-time buyers to support commercialization

We offer the following programs for companies in innovation:

• Canadian Technology Accelerators: Helps companies with an existing technology or product find opportunities and expand into key foreign technology hubs
• Canadian International Innovation Program: Helps companies pursue international co-innovation projects with a foreign partner
• CanExport Innovation funding

Contact us to learn more.

We help global companies succeed in Canada. In collaboration with Invest in Canada, we connect international businesses with the insights, local partners, and resources they need to establish or expand operations in Canada.

Our support includes:

• market intelligence to inform investment decisions
• guidance on site selection and regulatory considerations
• introductions to local Economic Development Agencies
• connections to government programs and incentives
• introductions to industry partners and supply chains
• access to talent, R&D, and innovation ecosystems

Discover how we can help you succeed in Canada.

We organize trade missions and facilitate business-to-business meetings at trade events in Canada and around the world . They can help qualified Canadian businesses gain important exposure, network with local businesses, and explore international opportunities – helping accelerate their global growth.

Visit our Trade events and training page to register or apply for one of our events or trade missions.

W e are committed to Canada’s diversity. In addition to the services we provide to all eligible companies, we may offer tailored support to qualified businesses owned by members of inclusive trade groups such as:

• women
• Indigenous Peoples
• visible minorities
• members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities
• youth

Find support for exporters from diverse backgrounds.