Governor Quinn continues his outreach representing Illinois businesses around the world with the first Governor's visit to Canada since Governor Edgar. Canada is Illinois' largest export market, fourth largest market for foreign investment, and the top market for international visitors. The trip will highlight Illinois-Canada relationships in the food services industry, the life sciences sector and tourism.
Photo Gallery
Collection of Photos from the Governor Quinn's Trade & Tourism Visit to Canada (Flickr)
Itinerary
Itinerary (PDF, 12 KB)
Sunday, March 4
- Governor Quinn participates in the Canadian Restaurant Foodservices Association Trade Show (CRFA) ribbon cutting ceremony
- Governor Quinn officially opens the State of Illinois Pavilion at the CRFA and meets with the 10 Illinois firms exhibiting in the Pavilion
- Lunch meeting with the Canadian life science and bio-energy community to discuss collaboration for mutual innovation, hosted by MaRS Innovation and MaRS Discovery District
- Illinois Business Networking Reception co-hosted by Livingston International-Illinois CRFA exhibitors to meet with key company representatives in the food and beverage industry in Canada
Monday, March 5
- Meeting with BMO Financial Group CEO William Downe
- "Invest in Illinois" roundtable breakfast program sponsored by BMO Financial Group
- Meeting with Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty
- In-studio interview with Steve Paikin, The Agenda (TVO)
- "Visit Illinois" Tourism luncheon program to promote Illinois and Chicago as a destination for Canadian business and leisure travel
Related News
Governor Quinn Pursues Economic Development Opportunities in Canada
First Visit by Governor in 15 Years Will Help Promote Illinois Trade, Business and Tourism
TORONTO – March 5, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn is in Canada today on an economic development visit where he is promoting Illinois’ trade and business opportunities, as well as tourism and life sciences industries. This is the first trade-oriented visit by an Illinois governor to Canada in over a decade and builds upon Governor Quinn’s commitment to strengthening relationships with Illinois’ key trading partners.
Full Release Available Here
Press
Illinois Celebrates Mile After Magnificent Mile in Canada
Travel Hot News.com / March 6, 2012
Pat Quinn: A Great Lakes Governor
TVO Interview; The Agenda with Steve Paikin - March 5, 2012
Illinois Gov. Patrick Quinn on Asian carp: 'If you can't beat 'em, eat 'em'
The Canadian Press / March 5, 2012
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn talks water and Asian carp with Dalton McGuinty
Toronto Star / March 5, 2012
Related Documents
About the Illinois STEP Mission to the CRFA Show
Illinois Exhibiting Companies at the CRFA
Illinois - Canada Business Strengths in Numbers
For More Information
Follow the Governor on Twitter at @GovernorQuinn
Follow DCEO on Twitter at @IllinoisDCEO
Illinois Trade and Business Opportunities at Exports.Illinois.gov