I'll use as an example the U.S. Commercial Service. Most American states, when they're seeking to expand trade in any particular region, will task the U.S. Commercial Service through the consular offices in that location, which will bring tremendous resources to bear. Now mind you, it is a pay-as-you-go approach; so these programs are self-funding, if you will. To be honest with you, I don't know if that's available through the Canadian consular service. Certainly, as a commerce official for the State of South Carolina, I've never been approached by them, so I have to assume it's not something that goes on, generally speaking.
On March 9th, 2009. See this statement in context.