Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to summarize what the Minister of International Development [Marie-Claude Bibeau], the Minister of Defence [Harjit Singh Sajjan] and the Prime Minister [Justin Trudeau] himself have just expressed.
I am pleased to have this opportunity to meet with you to discuss Canada's commitment to and actions within La Francophonie, 10 months before the summit in Madagascar next November.
I am here because I am impressed by this organization and the substance of your discussions today-the panels-are exactly the areas where the Prime Minister would like us to tackle some of our biggest challenges. Allow me to set out a few challenges for you as well as some direction.
Trade can be an agent of change. Trade and the opening up of markets can have a significant impact-by helping to raise standards of living, empower women and protect the environment.