Deputy First Minister’s trip to Canada: FOI release
Information request and response under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002
Information requested
You asked for the following information relating to the Deputy First Minister's visit to Canada in October 2025:
1. A full itinerary for the trip, including the names of all businesses, banks, asset management firms, and institutional investors met with during roundtables or individual sessions.
2. Any briefing notes or background papers provided to the Deputy First Minister regarding the aquaculture sector or environmental investment in preparation for this trip.
3. Any minutes or notes taken during meetings with private sector representatives in Toronto and Halifax.
4. A breakdown of the total final expenditure including a split for the Deputy First Minister and the two accompanying officials for flights, accommodation, and subsistence.
Response
I enclose a copy of most of the information you requested.
Exemptions under sections s.33(1)(b) (Commercial Interests and the Economy), s.30(b)(ii) - (Free and Frank Exchange of Views), and s.38(1)(b) (Personal Information) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. These have been applied minimally for commercially sensitive information, the exchange of views, and throughout to protect the identity of officials under Deputy Director level.
Exemptions s.33(1)(b) and s.30(b)(ii) are subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release because of our commitment to open and transparent government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in terms of information that relates to commercial interests and is not in the public domain, and limiting the future likelihood of the exchange of views.
About FOI
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Contact
Please quote the FOI reference
Central Correspondence Unit
Email: contactus@gov.scot
Phone: 0300 244 4000
The Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG