Parliamentary Secretary Fillmore to highlight benefits of Canada’s trade agreements to local businesses in Halifax
News release
May 21, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Forward-looking agreements such as the modernized Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA) ensure that the benefits and opportunities that flow from trade and investment are more widely shared. By providing more opportunities for more hard-working Canadians to succeed, Canada is creating wealth and jobs for the middle class.
Today, Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification, will meet with the business community of Halifax, Nova Scotia, to highlight Canada’s trade diversification agenda and the benefits they will see under a new modernized CIFTA.
Once in force, a modernized CIFTA will enable Canadian companies, especially those in the agriculture, agri-food and fish and seafood sectors, to take greater advantage of these opportunities with enhanced market access. CIFTA creates a more predictable business environment while reinforcing Canada’s broader engagement with Israel.
While in Halifax, Parliamentary Secretary Fillmore will address the Nova Scotian business community at an event in partnership with the Atlantic Jewish Council. He will highlight how Canada’s free trade agreements, which include the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and CIFTA, are enhancing market opportunities for Canadian companies.
Quotes
“The modernized Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement will further expand market access and create new opportunities for Canadian entrepreneurs, including the business community in Halifax. I encourage all Canadian exporters to tap into our global network of trade commissioners to help them navigate the complexities of exporting to international markets.”
- Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification
“The steadfast friendship between Canada and Israel spans 70 years and is based on shared values, including democracy, gender equality and inclusive trade. The work of our governments to modernize CIFTA will increase trade between our two countries and remove non-tariff barriers. That’s great news for businesses in Halifax seeking to break through to important markets such as Israel.”
- Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Heritage and Multiculturalism, and MP for Halifax
Quick facts
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Through its trade diversification strategy, the government will invest $1.1 billion over six years to help Canadian businesses grow and diversify their exports.
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Since the original CIFTA came into force more than two decades ago, two-way merchandise trade has more than tripled, totalling $1.9 billion in 2018.
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As part of the modernized CIFTA, four existing chapters were updated and nine new chapters were added which highlight increased market access, more predictable trading conditions and new inclusive elements.
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Once in force, the modernized CIFTA will increase market access by further reducing and eliminating tariffs on Canadian exports to the Israeli market, including new and improved market access for virtually 100% of Canadian exports of agricultural, agri-food and fish and seafood products.
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It will also improve the ways in which Canadians do business in Israel by enhancing border efficiencies, increasing regulatory transparency and reducing red tape.
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The new trade and gender chapter in the modernized CIFTA reflects Canada’s commitment to developing and advancing an inclusive approach to trade.
Associated links
Contacts
Isabella Brisson-Urdaneta
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade Diversification
343-203-7332
Isabella.Brisson-Urdaneta@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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