—Photo: ROBERT TAYLOR
Vishanna Phagoo June 2, 2026
CANADIAN High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago Michael Callan says that the commercial relationship between the two countries is based on hundreds of years of shared history.
Building on this strong foundation, he is very optimistic about the room for further growth in trade, education, security and commercial relations, even as both countries navigate a challenging global environment.
In an interview with Express Business at the High Commission of Canada in T&T, Port of Spain, Callan described Canada as “open” and “accessible” and pointed to long-standing ties between the two countries through migration, education, culture and business.
He also noted that many nationals from T&T have settled in Canada over the years, particularly in the greater Toronto area, and said the relationship between the countries continues to deepen through people-to-people connections.
Callan said Canadian businesses already operating in T&T have benefitted from decades of commercial engagement and added that there is still “a lot of work to be done” in expanding economic cooperation. Canadian firms in the downstream industries have been present for decades. These firms have supported thousands of families with well-paid professional jobs for generations.
Canadian companies are familiar to T&T, with banking giants Scotia, RBC and CIBC being part of daily life.
However, there are others making less visible contributions to T&T every day.
For example, as energy costs make global headlines, Screaming Power, out of Picton, Ontario, has been engaged by the electric utility T&TEC to assist customers in managing their energy usage.
Staying in the area of clean technology, Kaizen Environmental Services (Trinidad), a Canadian company with a Trinidad subsidiary, has a successful operation undertaking major environmental projects.
Another Canadian company, FreeBalance, contracted by the Ministry of Finance, has a partnership with Trinidad Systems Ltd to market public financial management software solutions, which help government institutions plan and manage budgets, assets and human resources more effectively.
Local companies have also established themselves and are expanding deeper into Canadian markets. One example is KC Confectionery Ltd, which successfully exported its new ginger mint line extensions to Canada last year.
Similarly, Sunshine Snacks uses potatoes from Canada to create its innovative Chipsters snack, fashioned after a Canadian product.
Addressing the international environment, Callan said countries are operating in a “difficult global context,” adding that diversification and stronger partnerships are becoming increasingly important.
When seeking international opportunities, Callan said Canadian companies always seek transparency and predictability in their investments.
He also pointed to collaboration in security and law enforcement, including engagement involving the T&T Police Service, cybersecurity initiatives and cooperation with Canadian federal agencies.
This takes many forms. For example, Canadian soldiers are currently in T&T working with their Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force colleagues to strengthen joint military planning and ensure both countries are prepared to work together should the need arise.
Callan said community organisations also continue to play an important role in strengthening bilateral relations. He referenced the Canada Club of T&T and praised the work of volunteers and community members who have helped maintain connections between both countries over many years.
The Canada Club of T&T is a community initiative established by the High Commission of Canada in May 2025 to connect Canadians, alumni and friends of Canada in T&T. It serves as a network for sharing experiences, opportunities, and fostering connections through online exchanges and local events.
High Commissioner Callan noted that it is important for diplomats to move beyond diplomatic circles and connect with citizens from all walks of life in T&T.
This is why he continues to engage with different parts of T&T society, such as during his visit to St Dominic’s Children’s Home last week, in partnership with the Samaritan Movement, to experience the children’s artistic talents and learn how the High Commission could support their aspirations for the future.
On immigration, Callan acknowledged recent changes to Canada’s immigration system, while noting that movement between the two countries remains highly active through work, education and family ties. This is facilitated by Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) programme, which allows anyone with a valid US non-immigrant visa, or who has held a Canadian visa within the last ten years, to secure entry into Canada quickly and conveniently online.
Tourism and aviation
Tourism and aviation were also highlighted as areas of continued collaboration. Callan referenced the role of airlines including Air Canada and Caribbean Airlines in maintaining connectivity between the countries. He was especially excited about Canada hosting portions of the FIFA World Cup later this month. The Canadian portion of the tournament opens in Toronto when Canada hosts Bosnia and Herzegovina in their first match on June 12.
He said trade between Canada and the Caribbean continues to grow, adding that 97% of products from Caribbean countries enter Canada tariff-free under existing arrangements. Referencing broader international trade agreements involving Canada, Callan explained that these opportunities can open doors around the world, with Canada connected to Europe, Asia and the Americas through free trade agreements, as well as air, sea and land links.
This is a major priority for Canada as it continues to work to reduce trade barriers and improve commercial access around the world, he said.
Education
In the area of education, Callan said more than 30 Canadian universities participate annually in outreach activities involving students in T&T, reflecting continued interest in Canadian tertiary education opportunities. Callan stresses that it’s precisely in times of global uncertainty that Canada wants to reinvest in its friends. Canada and T&T share a time zone, language, legal tradition and extraordinary cultural ties. Trinis are thriving in Canada and continue to be warmly welcomed to study, perform, explore, and do business—tariff-free, he said.
Callan added that collaboration between business organisations and trade agencies in both countries will remain important as Canada and T&T seek to expand economic and commercial ties further. He said there is an excellent upcoming opportunity through the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
The Chamber is organising a trade mission to Canada later in August, with a focus on the Greater Toronto Area.
Callan explained that this is a great opportunity for local companies to find new Canadian partners as the relations between Canada and T&T get stronger.
Source: Daily Express