Ontario Strengthens Relationship with United States with New Representative

David Paterson to serve as Ontario’s new Representative in Washington, D.C.

December 06, 2023

Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Table of Contents

  1. Content
  2. Quick Facts
  3. Related Topics

QUEEN’S PARK — The Government of Ontario has announced the appointment of David Paterson as the province’s Representative in Washington, D.C.

As Ontario’s Representative in Washington, Mr. Paterson will be the province’s lead liaison, playing a vital role in promoting investment in key Ontario sectors, further expanding Ontario’s trade with the United States, strengthening government-to-government and business-to-business relations, and providing strategic advice to the Government of Ontario.

“We’re thrilled to welcome David Paterson to his new role as Ontario’s Representative in Washington, D.C.,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “With his extensive experience and impressive background, David will be a strong voice for our province south of the border, promoting our businesses and key sectors including electric vehicle and battery manufacturing, tech and life sciences.”

Mr. Paterson previously served as a senior executive at General Motors Canada, BlackBerry and Manulife Financial, as Director of the Canadian American Business Council and as Chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

“I believe Ontario is extremely well-positioned to share in significant new economic opportunities across the North American economy,” said Mr. Paterson. “As Ontario’s Representative in Washington, I will do everything I can to ensure our strong trade relationship with the United States continues to build a prosperous future for all of us in Ontario.”

Ontario operates a trade network in key centres throughout the United States, including Agents-General located in Chicago and Dallas, and Trade and Investment Offices in San Francisco and New York. In addition to its Ontario office in Washington D.C., the province operates a worldwide network of 15 international offices with a mandate to position Ontario as a leading destination for investment, trade promotion and partnerships.

Mr. Paterson’s appointment as Ontario’s Representative in Washington was effective as of November 23, 2023. He will serve for a three-year term.

Quick Facts

  • Ontario-United States trade is valued at more than $450 billion annually. If Ontario were a country, the province would be the United States’ third-largest trading partner.
  • In 2022, Ontario was the top export destination for 15 States.
  • With one in five jobs in Ontario dependent on trade, the province’s economy is the most trade reliant in the country.

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Media Contacts

Vanessa De Matteis
Minister’s Office
Vanessa.DeMatteis@ontario.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
economy.media@ontario.ca