Kate Forbes: Nurturing Canadian connections can help Scottish economy grow
STRONG economic, social and cultural bonds between Scotland and Canada have been hailed by a Ross-shire-based MSP acting as “an investment champion” for the Scottish Government.
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Kate Forbes MSP, believes there’s scope for further partnerships across a variety of fields which could drive economic growth.
She made her remarks after a visit to Canada — including stops in Toronto and Nova Scotia — where she focused on promoting investment and academic collaboration, and on deepening cultural and Gaelic connections.
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In Nova Scotia — a region with strong Gaelic heritage — Ms Forbes, the Dingwall-based constituency MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, met with Gaelic-speaking communities, and with Canadian institutional investors and universities to highlight Scotland’s opportunities in sectors such as renewables, technology and fintech.
Ms Forbes emphasized the strong Gaelic bond between Scotland and Canada. She said that promoting Gaelic culture alongside investment and academic partnerships helps support rural communities while driving economic growth.
She said: “Scotland and Canada share deep historical connections. More than four million Canadians claim Scottish heritage and Nova Scotia is a home from home for Gaelic.
“This enduring relationship presents us with opportunities to further benefit our economies, through investment in the energy transition for example, as well as in growing sectors like AI, fintech and life sciences.
“We share a global reputation for educational excellence, which means Scotland and Canada can capitalise on the strengths of our academic institutions, bringing scholars from both countries closer together to share ideas, collaborate and produce impactful research and teaching.
“As the Scottish Government’s Investment Champion, my focus is on making connections which can bring investment and grow our economy.”
The visit was part of the Scottish Government’s strategy of international engagement. Canada is seen as an important trading partner: it is Scotland’s ninth-largest export market, accounting for roughly £500 million in exports annually.
Around 100 Canadian-owned firms operate in Scotland, employing more than 10,000 people, according to figures shared by Ms Forbes.
Nova Scotia has a Gaelic heritage dating back to Scottish migration in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the province recognises Gaelic as an official cultural language, and it remains an important part of local education and community life.