CANADIAN TRADE DELEGATION

The Hon. M.J. ATKINSON (Croydon) (15:36): I ask the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy to tell the house about the upcoming Canadian delegation visit to our great state.

The Hon. I.F. Evans interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Member for Davenport, you are warned for the second time.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (15:36): I thank the member for his question. I am pleased to announce that the newly-formed Invest in South Australia unit within the Department of Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy is already kicking goals.

The successful interaction with the Canadian government of Alberta has lead to a business delegation from that region undertaking an economic development visit to South Australia on 27 February. This is the largest single trade mission from Alberta. Twenty one companies, predominantly involved in the oil and gas sector, will be represented in the delegation. I think it is heartening to see that it is not just mineral deposits that the rest of the world is talking about—our oil and gas reserves are highly sought after as well.

In conjunction with the government of Alberta and the Consul-General of Canada in Sydney, we will be facilitating this delegation with support from the South Australian government. Trade delegations both into South Australia and out of our trade partners are very important to the development of international relationships. I would like to congratulate the hard work and diligence of Mr Kevin Osborn, the Chair of the Invest in South Australia Advisory Board, for helping to facilitate this delegation. This government looks forward to welcoming this delegation in talks to businesses, the arts, government and, of course, all things Canadian.