Minister Morneau Reaffirms the Importance of Fairness and Trade in Improving Global Economic Growth at G7 Meetings in Italy

Canada's greatest strength is the diversity of its people and a spirit of openness to the world, allowing the Canadian economy to benefit directly from international trade and investment to create good, well-paying jobs for middle class Canadians.

At the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meetings in Bari, Italy, Finance Minister Bill Morneau advocated Canada's progressive approach to trade and demonstrated how it is creating growth that strengthens the middle class.

The G7 meetings provided an excellent opportunity for the Minister to reaffirm Canada's position as a key political and commercial partner, and the importance of open trade and policy coordination in improving the pace of global economic growth and dealing with shared challenges. The Minister also highlighted Canada's traditional leadership in supporting sustainable development and poverty reduction, advancing women's economic empowerment, and tackling international tax evasion and avoidance.

Minister Morneau had the opportunity to meet bilaterally with the President of the World Bank as well as his G7 counterparts from Japan, Italy and the U.S. During his meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Minister Morneau reaffirmed Canada's commitment to a strong and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship and discussed the recent positions taken by the U.S. administration on trade issues with Canada.