Monument to Portugal in Parc du Portugal in Montreal, Canada
One of the first European explorers to visit Canada was Gaspar Corte-Real who explored its Atlantic regions. Some of the earliest Portuguese migrants settled in Labrador in the 16th century.[1] Many Portuguese settlers arrived in Canada between 1940 and 1984, with many escaping the dictatorship of António de Oliveira Salazar. Most Portuguese migrants settled in and around Toronto.[1]
Diplomatic relations between Canada and Portugal were established in January 1952,[2] with both nations opening embassies in their hosts' capitals.[3] In November 1972, Canada condemned the Portuguese Colonial Wars in Angola, Mozambique and in Portuguese Guinea.[4]
In October 1982, Portuguese Prime Minister Francisco Pinto Balsemão paid an official visit to Canada, the first Portuguese head of government to do so.[5]
In November 2010, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited Portugal to attend the 2010 Lisbon summit.[6] In 2018, Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa paid an official visit to Canada and met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.[7] There have been several high-level visits between the leaders of the two nations.[8]
In 2022, the nations celebrated 70 years of diplomatic relations.[9]
Both nations have signed several bilateral agreements (with the United Kingdom signing some initial agreements on Canada's behalf) such as an Agreement of Mutual Surrender of Fugitive Criminals (1894); Agreement of Cooperation in Legal Proceedings in Civil and Commercial Matters (1935); Trade Agreement (1954); Agreement on Non-Immigrant Visa Arrangements (1958); Agreement on Mutual Fishery Relations (1977); Agreement on Social Security (1981); Agreement on Air transportation (1987); Agreement to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion in terms of income taxes (1999); and an Agreement on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (2000).[3][12]
In 2016, Canada signed a free trade agreement with the European Union, of which Portugal is a member. In 2018, bilateral trade between Canada and Portugal totaled $1 billion CAD.[2] Canada's exports to Portugal amounted to $382 million CAD. Oilseeds, aircraft and parts, cereals and leguminous vegetables; were among the leading export goods from Canada to Portugal. Imports from Portugal in 2018 amounted to $635 million. Beverages (wine), apparel, organic chemicals, footwear, furniture, electronics and electrical machinery and equipment were among the leading imports from Portugal to Canada.[2]
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