Canada–Finland relations

Last updated
Canadian-Finnish relations
Canada Finland Locator.png
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg
Canada
Flag of Finland.svg
Finland
Two Finnish Canadian partisans in the Spanish Civil War Finnish Canadian collection - two Finnish Canadian partisans in the Spanish Civil War (I0005037).tif
Two Finnish Canadian partisans in the Spanish Civil War
Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin and Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau Paaministeri Sanna Marin ja Kanadan paaministeri Justin Trudeau tapasivat Brysselissa 23.3.2022 (51956964818).jpg
Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin and Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau

Canadian-Finnish relations are foreign relations between Canada and Finland. Diplomatic relations between them were established on November 21, 1947. Canada has an embassy in Helsinki. Finland has an embassy in Ottawa. There are over 143,000 Canadians with Finnish ancestry and over 2,000 Canadian immigrants living in Finland. [1] [2]

Contents

Both countries are full members of NATO. Canada was the first country to ratify Finland's membership during Finland's accession into NATO, which was finalized on 4 April 2023. [3]

World War II

On November 30, 1939, the USSR commenced an invasion of Finland. Immediately, the invasion became headline news, and the Canadian public were strongly in favor of "gallant Finland". About 250 Finnish-Canadians left Canada to defend Finland. At first, the idea of leaving Canada to fight in Finland was strongly opposed by the Canadian government. This was due to Finland being a major supporter of Nazi Germany. About 3 months later, the Canadian government completely changed their minds and rather supported the idea. [4]

Canada also sent food supplies, clothing and blankets to accompany the Finnish-Canadian fighters, but the 250 fighters did not reach Finland before the 13th of March, when the armistice was signed.[ citation needed ]

Human rights

Finland, like Canada, has traditionally played a very active role in promotion and protection of human rights, humanitarian assistance as well as arms control and disarmament, peacekeeping and crisis management. Over the past few years, Finland has demonstrated particular interest in Canada's human security policies (including responsibility to protect), and increasingly on the "Canadian model of multiculturalism". [5]

Trade

Prior to the economic downturn, Canadian merchandise exports to Finland experienced vast increases - from (CAD) $473.9 million in 2006 to $1.0 billion in 2008. [6] In 2010, exports to Finland plummeted to $400.9 million. In 2012, exports totaled at $423.6 million, showing a slight increase.

Canada's main exports to Finland are mineral fuels and oil (not crude), machinery, pharmaceutical products, and vehicles. In 2012, Canadian merchandise imports totalled $1.046 billion, down from $1.074 billion in 2010. [7]

Investment

Finland is a large investor in Canada and a priority market for investment attraction. In 2010, direct investment from Finland in Canada was officially listed at $1.1 billion, making Finland Canada's 18th largest investor. Major Finnish investors in Canada include Nokia, Metso, Wihuri, Kemira, and others. In the same year, Canadian direct investment in Finland was officially listed as $152 million. Canadian companies active in Finland include Bombardier, CGI, Exfo, InMet and First Quantum Minerals. Canada's mining presence in Finland is estimated at over (CAD) $1 billion in cumulative mining assets. [8]

Ottawa Treaty

Finnish Parliament approved joining the Ottawa Agreement in November 2011 by a vote of 110-47. Finland officially joined the agreement in 2012. In Finland, the agreement in question has also been considered a mistake, the National Coalition Party and the True Finns proposed to withdraw from the agreement.

Arctic Relations

Canada - Finland, ice hockey game in 2010 Winter Olympics Canada vs Finland Olympics 2010.jpg
Canada - Finland, ice hockey game in 2010 Winter Olympics
Kanada-malja ("Canada Bowl") Kanada-malja 1951.jpg
Kanada-malja ("Canada Bowl")

Canada–Finland relations on Arctic issues are strong.[ citation needed ] Addressing these issues is normally done through the Arctic Council, as both countries believe it to be the leading way of cooperation on Arctic issues.

Canadian mining companies have a large presence in northern Finland. Roughly one third of all Finnish mines are Canadian-owned.[ citation needed ] Canadian companies are the largest employer in Lapland.[ citation needed ]

Resident diplomatic missions

See also

Related Research Articles

Bulgarian-American trade has grown steadily since Bulgaria changed from a socialist to a market economy, and particularly since Bulgaria joined NATO in 2004 and the European Union in 2007. In 2007, the first and second largest investments in the Bulgarian economy were made by U.S. firms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Finland–United States relations</span> Bilateral relations

Finland and the United States currently have good relations. The United States was one of the first countries to recognize Finland after it declared independence in 1917, and officially established diplomatic relations in 1920. Due to World War II and Soviet pressure, relations were suspended between 1942 and 1945 before being raised to embassy level in 1954. Finland has been of strategic importance to the United States due to its position bordering the Soviet Union and later Russia, and after the end of the Cold War in 1991 Finland's shift to the West has led to warmer relations. There is significant trade activity, including military procurement, between the two countries. The United States supported Finlanď's NATO membership during Finland's accession into NATO, which was finalized on 4 April 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canada–Romania relations</span> Bilateral relations

Canadian-Romanian relations are the bilateral relations between the governments of Canada and Romania. Canada has an embassy in Bucharest. Romania has an embassy in Ottawa and three consulates-general. Romania has also three honorary consulate general in Moncton, Québec and Calgary.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Finland–Greece relations</span> Bilateral relations

Finnish-Greek relations are foreign relations between Finland and Greece. Greece was among the first countries to recognize the independence of Finland, on January 5, 1918. Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1920. Since February 1, 1977, Finland has had an embassy in Athens. For a long period Finland was represented in Greece through its embassies either in Bucharest, Rome or Belgrade. Finland also has 7 honorary consulates in Kos, Patras, Pireus, Rhodes, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, and Corfu. Greece has an embassy in Helsinki and 4 honorary consulates in Turku, Kuopio, Oulu, and Rovaniemi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Croatia–Finland relations</span> Bilateral relations

Croatia-Finland relations are foreign relations between Croatia and Finland. Finland recognised The Independent State of Croatia on 2 July 1941. Finland broke off diplomatic relations on 20 September 1944. Finland re-recognised Croatia on 17 January 1992. Both countries re-established diplomatic relations on 19 February 1992. Croatia has an embassy in Helsinki. Finland has an embassy in Zagreb. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe, European Union, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and NATO.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Finland–Poland relations</span> Bilateral relations

Finland–Poland relations refer to bilateral relations of Finland and Poland. Both countries are members of the European Union, NATO, OECD, OSCE, Council of the Baltic Sea States, HELCOM, Council of Europe and the World Trade Organization. Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 March 1919. Finland strongly supported Poland's the European Union membership during the latter's accession process. Poland strongly supported Finland's NATO membership during the latter's accession process.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Estonia–Finland relations</span> Bilateral relations of Estonia and Finland

Estonia–Finland relations are foreign relations between Finland and Estonia. The independent Republic of Finland, established in 1917, and the independent Republic of Estonia, established in 1918, established diplomatic relations and formally recognised each other in 1920. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were interrupted during World War II and officially restored on 29 August 1991. Finland has an embassy in Tallinn and an honorary consulate in Tartu. Estonia has an embassy in Helsinki and five honorary consulates, located in Oulu, Turku, Ekenäs, Tampere and Kotka. Both countries are full members of the Council of the Baltic Sea States, Council of Europe, European Union, NATO and the Eurozone. Finland has given full support to Estonia's membership of the European Union. Estonia also has strongly supported Finland's NATO membership. The majority languages in both countries are Finnic languages, as Finland's main language, Finnish, is related to Estonian, and there is and has been a certain feeling of kinship. 76% of Finns have visited Estonia, and in 2004, 1.8 million Finns reported visiting Estonia. The excise tax on alcohol is lower in Estonia than in Finland, thus it is common to buy large volumes of alcohol when returning from Estonia: a study in 2014 indicated that 34% of alcohol sold in Estonia is bought by Finns. Finnish and Swedish investors are the largest foreign investors in Estonia. Both Finland and Estonia are members of the European Union, Schengen agreement and the Eurozone, freeing international travel and trade between the countries. Finland is Estonia's top import partner, accounting for over 15% total import value in 2012, as well as the second-greatest market for Estonia's exports after Sweden. Finland's government recognised Estonia's independence in 1920. In response to the Soviet invasion, diplomatic missions were de facto removed. However, when Estonia restored its independence, this "temporary obstruction" was resolved. During the restoration of Estonia's independence, Finland secretly contributed with significant economic aid and know-how under the cover of "cultural co-operation" in order to not upset the Soviet Union. Finland continues to contribute militarily, such as officers' training, and the provision of equipment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Denmark–Finland relations</span> Bilateral relations

Denmark–Finland relations are foreign relations between Denmark and Finland. Denmark has an embassy in Helsinki. Finland has an embassy in Copenhagen. Both countries are part of the Nordic Council. Denmark officially recognized Finland's independence in 1918 and diplomatic relations were established on 18 February of that year. Both countries are members of the European Union, Nordic Union, Council of the Baltic Sea States, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The Nordic Culture Fund and the Finnish-Danish Cultural Fund support projects of artists in both countries. Denmark strongly supported Finland's NATO membership during the latter's accession process.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Finland–Italy relations</span> Bilateral relations

Finland-Italy relations are foreign relations between Finland and Italy. Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 September 1919. Finland has an embassy in Rome, Italy has an embassy in Helsinki. Both countries are full members of the European Union, NATO, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Council of Europe and the Eurozone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Finland–Spain relations</span> Bilateral relations

Finland–Spain relations are the diplomatic relations between the Republic of Finland and the Kingdom of Spain. Both nations are members of the Council of Europe, the European Union, the United Nations, the Schengen Area, the eurozone, and NATO. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have traditionally been good and fruitful and, at the same time, have consolidated an exchange at all levels. Spain is also one of the favorite destinations of Finnish tourism. Approximately ten percent of the Finnish population travels on vacation each year to Spain. Furthermore, the Finns are the fastest growing European community in Málaga, as Fuengirola is home to the second largest colony of Finns in the world, after Sweden.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canada–Czech Republic relations</span> Bilateral relations

Canada–Czech Republic relations are foreign relations between Canada and the Czech Republic. Canada has an embassy in Prague. The Czech Republic has an embassy in Ottawa, consulate general in Toronto and honorary consulate in Calgary.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canada–Italy relations</span> Bilateral relations

Canada–Italy are the current and historical relations between Canada and Italy. Both nations enjoy friendly relations, the importance of which centres on the history of Italian migration to Canada. Approximately 1.5 million Canadians claim to have Italian ancestry. Both nations are members of the G7, G20, NATO and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canada–Sweden relations</span> Bilateral relations

Canada–Sweden relations are the interstate relations between Canada and the Kingdom of Sweden. They are founding members of the Arctic Council and have positive cultural and economic relations. In addition, there are more than 300,000 Canadians of Swedish descent. The relationship is backed with many mutual treaties, and sees moderate foreign direct investment and trade. One notable commonality for both Canada and Sweden are their commitments to feminist foreign policy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hungary–Sweden relations</span> Bilateral relations

Hungary–Sweden relations are foreign relations between Hungary and Sweden. Sweden has an embassy in Budapest, and in Stockholm there is a Hungarian embassy. Diplomatic relations between the two countries started on 28 December 1945. These relations developed to a higher ambassador level. Both countries are members of the Council of Europe, European Union, NATO and Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Finland–Germany relations</span> Bilateral relations

Finland–Germany relations are the bilateral relations between the Finland and Germany. Both countries are part of the European Union, are signatories of the Schengen Agreement, and are members of the eurozone and NATO. Germany supported Finland's NATO membership during Finland's accession into NATO, which was finalized on 4 April 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canada–Kazakhstan relations</span> Bilateral relations

Canada–Kazakhstan relations are foreign relations between Canada and Kazakhstan. The countries established diplomatic relations with each other in 1992. Canada has an embassy in Astana. Kazakhstan has an embassy in Ottawa and a consulate in Toronto.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canada–Mongolia relations</span> Bilateral relations

Canada–Mongolia relations are foreign relations between Canada and Mongolia. Both countries established diplomatic relations on November 30, 1973. Canada has been represented in Mongolia through an embassy since 2008. Mongolia has an embassy in Ottawa, and in 2002 opened an Honorary Consulate in Toronto. Though Canada and Mongolia established diplomatic ties in 1973, ad hoc linkages and minor activities occurred between the two countries mainly through the Canada-Mongolia Society, which disbanded in 1980. When Mongolia formed a democratic government in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Canada began to support Mongolia with donor activities through the International Development Research Centre, Canadian International Development Agency and several non-governmental organizations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canada–Latvia relations</span> Bilateral relations

Canada–Latvia relations are foreign relations between Canada and Latvia. Canada re-recognized Latvia's independence on August 26, 1991. During the 1920s Canada helped Lithuania gain their independence with their victory in the war over the Baltics in Lithuania.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canada–Greece relations</span> Bilateral relations

Canada and Greece first exchanged ambassadors in 1942. Both countries are members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, NATO and the United Nations. There is a strong Greek community living in Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canada–Portugal relations</span> Bilateral relations

Canada and Portugal have friendly bilateral relations, the importance of which center on the history of Portuguese migration to Canada. Canadians of full or partial Portuguese ancestry number approximately 482,000 people. Both nations are members of NATO, the OECD, and the United Nations.

References

  1. "Immigration and Ethnocultural Diversity Highlight Tables". statcan.gc.ca.
  2. "United Nations Population Division - Department of Economic and Social Affairs". United Nations . Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  3. Aiello, Rachel (5 July 2022). "Canada is the first country to ratify Finland and Sweden's accession to join NATO". CTV News. Archived from the original on 5 July 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  4. "History of Canada-Finland relations". 2014-07-17. Archived from the original on 2014-08-17. Retrieved 2014-07-18.
  5. "Canada-Finland relations". 2014-07-17. Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2014-07-13.
  6. "Canada-Finland relations". Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2014-07-13.
  7. [1]
  8. "Canada-Finland relations". Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2014-07-13.