International Trade Minister to visit Atlantic Canada to highlight benefits of diversifying trade 

News Release

August 11, 2017 – Halifax, Nova Scotia - Global Affairs Canada

Canadians in general and exporters specifically benefit from international trade, which is one of the engines of growth for our middle class and those working hard to join it. To promote sustained growth and opportunities for Canadian companies, Canada is diversifying and expanding trade into international markets.

From August 14 to 16, 2017, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, will meet with business leaders and entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada to highlight the benefits of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the most progressive trade agreement ever negotiated by Canada and the European Union. As an important gateway to global markets, companies in Atlantic Canada are well positioned to grow their business into new markets overseas.

While in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Minister Champagne will be joined by the Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board to announce support for Atlantic Canada’s small and medium-sized businesses (SME’s) seeking to grow their export markets.  During his visit to Beaubassin-East, New Brunswick, Minister Champagne will announce support for a clean technology initiative along with the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard. 

Quotes

“Canadians enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world and an important contributor to growing our middle class has been trade. We are committed to continuing that growth and there has never been a better time to diversify our markets and showcase what we have to offer to the world than now. As of the September 21 provisional application of CETA, tariffs on top Canadian exports to the EU, such as fish and seafood, will be eliminated. By enabling access to a market of more than 500 million consumers, CETA will open up great opportunities for Canadian businesses of all sizes.”

- François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade

“Collaboration is key for the Atlantic region to effectively expand exports in international markets. Minister Champagne’s launch last month of the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Strategy was the first step of our plan to double the number of Atlantic Exporters by 2025. Additional steps to be announced will show how that plan will help SME’s from all four provinces.”

- Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board

Quick Facts

  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker agreed to a provisional application date of CETA of September 21, 2017.

  • The EU became Nova Scotia’s largest trading partner and was the province’s third-largest export destination in 2016, with exports valued at $442 million.

  • New Brunswick’s total merchandise exports to the world totalled almost $11 billion in 2016. Exports are expected to grow once CETA comes into effect and tariffs are eliminated on exports such as fish and seafood.

  • In Atlantic Canada, every $1 million in exports sustains four to five jobs.

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