Building International Cooperation and Understanding

Newfoundland and Labrador Signs Friendship Agreement with State of Maryland

As a cultural leader in Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador continues to build relationships with jurisdictions which have cultural and historic significance for our province. Recognizing this, the Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs, and John P. McDonough, Secretary of State, Maryland, today signed a Friendship Agreement which builds upon a shared cultural history and will strengthen ties between the two jurisdictions.

“This Friendship Agreement serves as a starting point to grow our relationship with the State of Maryland. As the first Canadian province to sign such an agreement with the state, we look forward to the benefits of shared knowledge and ideas, strengthened economic relations, and renewed friendships between our people.”
- The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

Newfoundland and Labrador and the State of Maryland share a significant cultural connection as colonies in both jurisdictions have ties to the same founder: Sir George Calvert, the First Lord of Baltimore who established a colony in Ferryland in 1621.

“Maryland’s Sister State Program helps build international understanding and promotes cooperation. It also encourages exchange programs for businesses and industry, educational and cultural institutions, and private citizens. The new Friendship Agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador allows us to build on our shared cultural history to find new ways to collaborate and work together.”
- John P. McDonough, Secretary of State, Maryland

Both parties will establish a working committee to implement the agreement by developing annual and long-term cooperation programs, determining specific ways and means of collaborating, and monitoring and assessing common activities.

QUICK FACTS

• The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador is signing a Friendship Agreement with the State of Maryland.
• Colonies in both Newfoundland and Labrador and the State of Maryland have ties to the same founder: Sir George Calvert, the First Lord of Baltimore who established a colony in Ferryland in 1621.
• Maryland’s Sister State Program helps build international understanding and promotes cooperation. It encourages exchange programs for businesses and industry, educational and cultural institutions, and private citizens.
• Newfoundland and Labrador has signed agreements with other jurisdictions including Ireland at the national level, as well as with China’s Zhejiang Province.

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2014 07 28                               9:45 a.m.