From TC Weekly News

Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing met with Ontario’s Premier and Minister of Finance, Kathleen Wynne and Hon. Charles Sousa during his official visit to Toronto, Canada, to strengthen ties between the two countries.

The meetings were part of the Caribbean Tourism Week of activities at which the Turks and Caicos was prominently featured.

Premier Ewing outlined to Premier Wynne, who is also Minister for Agriculture, the strong financial ties between the TCI and Canada as represented by three of Canada’s major commercial banks – Scotia Bank, RBC Royal Bank and CIBC First Caribbean – as well as Fortis TCI, InterHealth Canada and the many Canadian owned resorts in the TCI.

Premier Ewing also discussed opportunities for collaboration between the two countries and how Canada, in particular the Province of Ontario, can be of assistance to the TCI.

A TCIG press release advised on the issues which dominated these discussions.

These were: “The provision of technical assistance in the area of agriculture, including policy development, training and personnel for in country support.

“The provision of educational opportunities for TCI students in Canadian Universities on a subsidised basis and the development of relationships with the TCI Community College and participation in the development of the Turks and Caicos College Park project.

“The provision of in-service training opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islands civil servants in Canada.

“Opportunities for Canada’s participation at the technical level in the many TCI infrastructural projects such as the Caicos Causeway and deep water harbour and opportunities for increase trade and commerce between the two countries in the various sectors that the Turks and Caicos Islands is committed to diversifying into, particularly light manufacturing and fisheries,” the release read.

Both Premier Wynne and Minister Sousa were very receptive to the various opportunities for collaboration and assistance and both have committed to look into the plans and requests.

Premier Ewing expressed thanks to Premier Wynne and Finance Minister Sousa for the opportunity to meet and discuss the many issues of importance to the TCI and is anticipating future discussions and actions.

The Premier also met with Ontario’s Opposition Leader, Hon Tim Hudak with whom he had discussions on similar issues and is also anticipating his support for the issues discussed.

“I would like to publicly express sincere condolences to the families who have lost love ones and properties during the on-going floods in Calgary Alberta,” Premier Ewing said.

For more on this story go to:

http://tcweeklynews.com/premier-ewing-promotes-tci-ontario-collaboration-p4122-1.htm