Minister John Baird & Bear

The Hon. John Baird was in Sydney in 2014, to take part in the Australian Canadian Economic Leadership Forum, to meet with his Australian counterpart the Hon. Julie Bishop, visit former Prime Minister John Howard, and have a sit down chat with Marie-Louise Hannan, Senior Trade Commissioner and Consul, about his impressions of Australia and why our two nations are such great friends.

In the video, Baird expounds on the new era of digital diplomacy, or #twiplomacy as it is sometimes known, in which social media has become a great tool to communicate the values and political desires of a nation, and speak directly to the citizens of other nations about our democratic values. He also touches on economic diplomacy and the important role of Canadian consulates to promote trade and investment with Canada, which is crucial to the national economy.

In his interview with Ms. Hannan, Mr. Baird is asked what his favourite Australian animal is, he comments that Koalas can be a bit “mangy” and is then surprised by a visit from Pierre the Polar Bear, who is a Canadian currently exploring business opportunities in Australia.