PHOENIX – Governor Doug Ducey today announced he will be leading an Arizona economic development delegation to Canada in October to meet with government officials and business leaders to highlight Arizona’s attractive business climate and lifestyle. On his trip, the governor will deliver a keynote address to the Canadian Club of Toronto.
“A strong Arizona-Canada relationship is vital to our state’s economy,” said Governor Doug Ducey. “Canada is Arizona’s second-largest trading partner and contributes more than $900 million annually to our state’s economy. This trip’s mission is to build upon the relationships we’ve fostered with our friends to the north and demonstrate why Arizona is the best place in the United States to do business.”
“I’m honoured to be welcoming Governor Ducey to Canada to build on what is already a dynamic relationship with Arizona,” said Consul General of Canada James Villeneuve. “We’re seeing tremendous growth in interest in Arizona as an investment destination from Canadian executives, who understand that our respective strengths make for a natural partnership. The same is true of Arizonan investors exploring Canadian markets. Today, 18,000 Arizonans work for Canadian-headquartered companies, while some 25,000 Canadians own homes in Arizona and a million visit each year as tourists. It’s a uniquely close relationship Canada has with Arizona, and I look forward to the ways Governor Ducey’s visit will help maintain and grow it.”
The delegation will be in Toronto from October 4-6 and in Montreal on October 6th and 7th. They will be accompanied by Canadian Consul General James Villeneuve and the Honorary Consul of Canada for Arizona, R. Glenn Williamson.
Current delegation members include:
- Steve Pidgeon, Co-Managing Partner, DLA Piper
- Carlos Vizcarra, President, Amerco Real Estate Company
- David Hutchens, President, Tucson Electric Power
- Paul Matson, Executive Director, ASRS
- Glenn Hamer, President and CEO, Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
- Chris Camacho, President and CEO, GPEC
- Sandra Watson, Director of the Arizona Commerce Authority
- Kirk Adams, Chief of Staff to Governor Doug Ducey
This will be Governor Ducey’s first visit to Canada since taking office in January 2015.
