Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act

Marginal note:Powers, duties and functions of Minister

• 10 (1) The powers, duties and functions of the Minister extend to and include all matters over which Parliament has jurisdiction, not by law assigned to any other department, board or agency of the Government of Canada, relating to the conduct of the external affairs of Canada, including international trade and commerce and international development.

• Marginal note:Powers, duties and functions of Minister

  (2) In exercising and performing his or her powers, duties and functions under this Act, the Minister is to

  • (a) conduct all diplomatic and consular relations on behalf of Canada;

  • (b) conduct all official communication between the Government of Canada and the government of any other country and between the Government of Canada and any international organization;

  • (c) conduct and manage international negotiations as they relate to Canada;

  • (d) coordinate Canada’s international economic relations;

  • (e) foster the expansion of Canada’s international trade and commerce;

  • (f) foster sustainable international development and poverty reduction in developing countries and provide humanitarian assistance during crises;

  • (g) coordinate the direction given by the Government of Canada to the heads of Canada’s diplomatic and consular missions;

  • (h) have the management of Canada’s diplomatic and consular missions;

  • (i) administer the foreign service of Canada;

  • (j) foster the development of international law and its application in Canada’s external relations; and

  • (k) carry out any other duties and functions that are by law assigned to him or her.

• Marginal note:Programs

  (3) The Minister may develop and carry out programs related to the Minister’s powers, duties and functions for the promotion of Canada’s interests abroad, including

  • (a) the fostering of the expansion of Canada’s international trade and commerce; and

  • (b) the fostering of sustainable international development and of poverty reduction in developing countries and the provision of humanitarian assistance during crises.