TORONTO - Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow is embarking on a significant trade mission to the United Kingdom and Ireland, aimed at fostering economic opportunities for businesses and workers in Toronto. The trip is scheduled to commence on Sunday, July 6, 2025, and Chow has stated that she will be joined by leaders from Toronto's vibrant film industry.
The primary focus of this mission is to engage with key stakeholders in the entertainment sector, including production companies and broadcasters. Mayor Chow intends to promote the production of Canadian content by facilitating agreements between Canadian entities and those in Ireland and the U.K. This effort is particularly crucial in the current climate, which Chow describes as one of “historic uncertainty.” She emphasizes that having reliable trade partners is more essential than ever, highlighting the importance of this trip as part of Toronto's broader economic action plan aimed at countering the impacts of U.S. tariffs.
During her visit, Mayor Chow has scheduled meetings with several influential organizations. These include the Ireland-Canada Business Association, executives from Enterprise Ireland, and the UK-Canada Chamber of Commerce. Each of these engagements presents an opportunity to strengthen the economic ties between Toronto and these key markets.
Additionally, Chow's itinerary features bilateral discussions with prominent city leaders, including Dublin Lord Mayor Ray McAdam and London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan. These conversations will likely foster greater collaboration and understanding between Toronto and these major European cities.
The trade mission also reflects a strategic initiative to reinforce Toronto’s position as a leader in the film industry and to advocate for Canadian stories in international media markets. By engaging with foreign partners and encouraging collaboration, Mayor Chow aims to create a platform for Toronto businesses to thrive and expand their reach beyond North America.
The organized trade mission underscores the city’s commitment to economic resilience and adaptation amidst changing global trade dynamics. As the mission unfolds, the outcomes of these meetings will be pivotal in charting a course for enhanced economic partnerships and collaborative ventures that benefit the Toronto region.
