Canada–Switzerland relations

Canada-Swiss relations are foreign relations between Canada and Switzerland. Both countries are members of the Francophonie and the United Nations.

Canada-Swiss relations
Map indicating locations of Canada and Switzerland

Canada

Switzerland

History edit

In 1604, during the colonization of Canada, Swiss soldiers in the service of the French army arrived to the territory of New France.[1] Since the initial arrival, Canada has been a destination for Swiss emigrants. Switzerland's first honorary consulates in Canada were established in Montreal (1875), Toronto (1906), Vancouver and Winnipeg (1913). The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1945. In 1947, Switzerland opened a diplomatic legation in Ottawa and elevated it to an embassy in 1953. That same year, Canada upgraded its diplomatic legation in Bern to an embassy.[1]

Canada is Switzerland's second most important economic partner in the Americas. In multilateral forums, the policies the two countries adopt tend to coincide, leading to mutually beneficial cooperation. There are direct flights between both nations with Air Canada, Edelweiss Air and Swiss International Air Lines.

Bilateral agreements edit

Both nations have signed several bilateral agreement such as a Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Reciprocal Establishment (1914); Air Transport Agreement (1976); Cinematographic and Audiovisual Relations Agreement (1988); Cooperation Agreement for the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy (1989); Mutual legal assistance treaty in criminal matters (1995); Social security convention, with arrangements with Quebec (1995); Extradition treaty (1996); and a Double taxation agreement (1998).[1]

Resident diplomatic missions edit

Embassy of Canada in Bern
LocationBern
AddressKirchenfeldstrasse 88, CH-3005
AmbassadorPatrick Wittmann
Embassy of Switzerland in Ottawa
 
Embassy of Switzerland in Ottawa
LocationOttawa
Address5 Marlborough Avenue K1N 8E6
AmbassadorOlaf Kjelsen

See also edit

References edit