As economic cooperation between Canada and the United States continues to expand, Florida’s senior leadership, including Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly and executives from SelectFlorida, are visiting Montréal.
As part of the Florida Leadership Mission to Canada, it is designed to strengthen cross-border trade, foster new investment opportunities, and deepen strategic relationships between Florida and leading Canadian corporations, academic institutions, and economic development organizations.
The Montréal agenda includes meetings with prominent Canadian organizations such as Bombardier, CAE, Fasken, AtkinsRéalis, the Université de Sherbrooke, and Investissement Québec. These discussions underscore the growing importance of Canada–U.S. economic collaboration across key sectors including aerospace, engineering, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, education, and emerging technologies. Following the Québec portion of the mission, the delegation will continue to Ontario, where additional meetings are scheduled with Invest Ontario and other business leaders to further explore opportunities for investment, innovation, and bilateral growth.
Florida and Canada: Key Economic Partners
Canada remains one of Florida's most important international trading partners. Every year, billions of dollars in goods, services, tourism spending, and investments flow between the two regions.
The June 2026 mission is designed to create new business opportunities while reinforcing existing partnerships. Discussions are expected to focus on:
The delegation's meetings with leading Quebec organizations reflect the province's strategic role in North America's economy and its reputation as a global hub for aerospace and advanced manufacturing.
Aerospace and Innovation in Focus
Several scheduled meetings place particular emphasis on aerospace and technology.
Bombardier and CAE are internationally recognized leaders in aviation, business aircraft, flight simulation, and pilot training. Their global presence makes them key partners for international investment and collaboration.
AtkinsRéalis, formerly SNC-Lavalin, continues to play a major role in infrastructure, engineering, and transportation projects worldwide, while Fasken provides legal expertise across international business sectors.
The delegation's visit to Université de Sherbrooke also underscores the importance of research partnerships and talent development in supporting future economic growth.
Investment Opportunities in Quebec and Ontario
Meetings with Investissement Québec are expected to explore opportunities for American businesses seeking expansion into Canadian markets.
Quebec offers advantages including:
Following the Quebec portion of the mission, the delegation will continue to Ontario, where additional meetings with business leaders and economic development stakeholders are anticipated.
Toronto remains Canada's largest business center and a key destination for international investment, making it a natural next stop for the delegation.
Cross-Border Business Travel and Logistics
International trade missions require precise transportation planning, especially when multiple meetings are scheduled across different cities and regions.
As one of the best charter bus companies, Layman Transport was selected by the State of Florida as the official group transportation supplier for this important mission. Layman is providing coordinated transportation services throughout Quebec and Ontario to support the delegation's travel requirements.
Serving Montreal, Toronto, and surrounding areas, Layman Transport offers charter services as motor coaches, minibuses, executive vans, and SUVs with driver designed for corporate groups, government delegations, executive travel, and business events.
Reliable ground transportation plays a critical role in ensuring delegates can focus on building relationships and exploring opportunities while maintaining efficient schedules throughout their visit.
Looking Ahead
As Canada and the United States continue to strengthen economic ties, missions such as the Florida commerce delegation create valuable opportunities for collaboration, investment, and innovation.
With meetings spanning aerospace, engineering, legal services, education, and economic development, the June 2026 visit demonstrates the importance of cross-border partnerships in driving future growth for both Florida and Canada.
— Layman
