Ito Bisonó begins official visit to Canada to strengthen bilateral ties

Ottawa, Canada.- Dominican Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó began an official visit to Canada aimed at strengthening political ties, expanding trade and investment, and deepening bilateral cooperation—the first visit by a Dominican foreign minister to the country in more than 20 years.

The visit to Ottawa and Toronto coincides with the 72nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Dominican Republic and Canada, established in 1954.

Bisonó is accompanied by business leaders and representatives from sectors including free zones, industry, mining, energy, banking, air transport, infrastructure, and tourism, reflecting the government’s focus on economic diplomacy and attracting new investment.

Canada is one of the Dominican Republic’s key economic partners, with approximately US$1.761 billion in accumulated foreign direct investment between 2019 and 2025, according to Bisonó.

In Ottawa, the foreign minister is scheduled to meet Marc-André Blanchard, chief of staff to the Canadian prime minister, and Anita Anand, Canada’s foreign minister, to discuss bilateral relations, trade, investment, and cooperation. He will also visit the Canadian Parliament and meet with House of Commons Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia and members of the Canada-Dominican Republic Interparliamentary Friendship Group.

Bisonó will also officially open an INDEX office in Canada to strengthen institutional support and ties with the Dominican community in the country.

In Toronto, he is scheduled to meet Ontario Premier Doug Ford, participate as a keynote speaker at the Toronto Global Forum 2026, and meet with executives from Scotiabank and other organizations. His agenda also includes a meeting with Ammar Al-Joundi, president and CEO of Agnico Eagle Mines Limited.