In a meeting today with business leaders from Vancouver and across the province, Finance Minister Bill Morneau noted that while the Canadian economy is doing well—Canada led the G7 in growth last year, and the unemployment rate remains at record lows—the Government understands that businesses are anxious about what the future holds. Business leaders shared their concerns, and talks focused on how the Government and the business community can work together to build a more competitive Canada that works for everyone.

"As a government, our job is to help more Canadians and more Canadian businesses succeed, and to grow the economy for the benefit of everyone. I'm listening carefully to what business leaders have to say, because their concerns are real—whether about the ongoing renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, the recent tariff decisions by the U.S., the potential impact of the U.S. tax reform, or other issues. The perspectives they share will guide us as we move forward, and together we will make sure that Canada remains one of the best places in the world to start, grow, and invest in a business."

- Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance

• Business investment growth in Canada has averaged about 9% since the end of 2016. This represents the fastest rate of growth in six years.

• According to the Bank of Canada's Business Outlook Survey, business investment intentions are near their highest point since the recovery from the recession of 2008-09.

• To give Canadian businesses access to new markets and the hundreds of millions of customers they represent, and to ensure that the benefits of trade are felt by more people, the Government has secured new trade and investment deals, including the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the European Union, and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

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Media may contact:

Pierre-Olivier Herbert 
Press Secretary 
Office of the Minister of Finance
pierre-olivier.herbert@canada.ca 
613-369-5696

Media Relations
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