International Trade Minister promotes progressive trade in Halifax and Montréal

News Release

January 5, 2017 – Ottawa, Canada - Global Affairs Canada

International trade is essential for Canada’s economic growth and a stronger middle class.

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of International Trade, this week promoted opportunities for businesses and Canada’s progressive trade agenda while visiting Halifax and Montréal. She also highlighted the recently signed Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which will give Canadians new and preferential access to the European market.

In Halifax on January 4, the Minister met with representatives of local businesses to discuss how progressive trade policies and programs support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), such as the CanExport program, now one year old, which is helping Canadian businesses access new international markets.

While in Montréal on January 5, the Minister also delivered a keynote address at the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations, highlighting Canada’s commitment to trade, immigration and an inclusive economy, as well as to the broad national support for CETA.

Quotes

“New economic opportunities abroad mean growth here at home and more jobs for middle-class Canadians. Over the past year, I have met representatives of many businesses that are benefiting from our progressive trade agenda and policies, and in 2017, we intend to expand on these opportunities so Canadian businesses can grow and succeed.”

- Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of International Trade

Quick facts

  • CanExport provides Canadian SMEs with matching contributions of between $10,000 and $100,000 toward export development costs related to their entry into a new market.
  • To date, more than $15.2 million has been committed to support Canadian SMEs entering new markets.
  • CanExport offers a simple process and a quick turnaround for decisions, making it accessible and easy for small companies that need support to grow.
  • CETA will give Canada access to the EU’s more than 500 million consumers. Canadian workers stand to benefit significantly from increased access to this 28-nation market, which generates $20 trillion in annual economic activity.

Associated links

Contacts

Alex Lawrence
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade
alex.lawrence@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @CanadaTrade
Like us on Facebook: Canada’s international trade - Global Affairs Canada


Search for related information by keyword

Page details

Date modified: