Singapore and Canada are separated by the Pacific Ocean, the world's largest oceanic divider, but their bilateral ties are closer than imagined. Two-way trade for both merchandise and services, for example, is now over $5 billion, said Canadian High Commissioner Heather Grant during an event at the Red Dot Design Museum in Tanjong Pagar last night. It celebrated 50 years of a "warm, substantive" friendship, said Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam, the guest of honour. The High Commissioner presented Mr Shanmugam with a sculpture of a dancing bear, crafted by Inuit artist Noo Atsiaq, to mark the special occasion. She hoped the two countries "will build on the foundation of these first 50 years to pursue our many common interests", including a strong economy, clean environments and greater security.