Louisiana’s historic ties to Canada help to generate a thriving business climate in trade and investment
Canada and Louisiana are linked by a history that goes back to Louisiana’s very beginnings. In the mid-1700s, Louisiana became home to thousands of Acadians from Canada, and out of this migration blossomed the Cajun culture that Louisiana is known for today. More recently, Canada and Louisiana have partnered on important investments in technology, chemicals and other sectors.
NOTABLE CANADIAN INVESTMENT IN LOUISIANA
- Methanex – Methanol production plant, $550 million
- First Bauxite – Metal manufacturing - bauxite processing plant, $200 million
- Insitu Data Solutions Inc. – Oilfield & manufacturing service center
- CGI
In April 2014, CGI announced the selection of Lafayette, Louisiana, for the establishment of a technology center representing a $13.1 million in capital expenditure and has created more than 400 jobs. The center, which anchors the 143-acre University of Louisiana at Lafayette Research Park, develops complex business and IT solutions for clients seeking a strategic technology partner. CGI selected Lafayette after a nearly two-year national search. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project is resulting in an additional 405 new indirect jobs, for a total of more than 800 new permanent jobs in Acadiana.
“Our partnership with Lafayette represents a groundbreaking model for CGI – bringing together the local community to identify opportunities for innovation that can be applied globally, while tapping the talent and resources of Louisiana.”
Dr. James Peake, Senior Vice President
TRADE BETWEEN CANADA AND LOUISIANA
EXPORTS TO CANADA
|
| Chemicals |
$1.26 billion |
| Transportation Equipment |
$250.9 million |
| Petroleum & Coal Products |
$479.8 million |
| Other |
$678.5 million |
Total
|
$2.7 billion
|
IMPORTS FROM CANADA
|
| Oil & Gas |
$716.9 million |
| Chemicals |
$221 million |
| Primary Metal Manufacturing |
$451.8 million |
| Other |
$808.3 million |
Total
|
$2.2 billion
|
AIR TRAVEL
Direct flights are available to Toronto via the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International airport.
CULTURAL TIES AND RESOURCES
Honorary Consul of Canada Patricia C. Denechaud
1010 Common Street, Suite 3010
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
Tel: 504.561.1191
canadanola@gmail.com
Festivals Acadiens et Créoles is a music, food and craft festival held in Lafayette, Louisiana, that features the sounds, flavor and crafts of south Louisiana and celebrates the Cajun culture brought to Louisiana by the Acadians in 1755. Learn more here.
Louisiana State University has exchange programs with Brock University (St. Catharine’s), Laurentian University (Sudbury), Thompson Rivers University (Kamloops), University of Regina (Regina) and Université Laval (Quebec).