March 10, 2008
No. 55
The Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, today issued the following message of condolence regarding the death of Simon Reisman.
"Simon Reisman will be remembered as an exemplary and impressive trade negotiator. His dedication and leadership were critical to the successful negotiation of some of Canada's most important trade agreements of the past 60 years.
"He played a critical role in shaping today's international trade system with his participation in the conferences of 1947 and 1948 that led to the adoption of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
"North American trade would not be what it is today without the skill and leadership of Mr. Reisman. He was a key player in the conclusion of the Canada-United States Auto Pact of 1965. As Chief Negotiator, he led the successful conclusion of the 1988 Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement, which paved the way for NAFTA in 1994.
"As a result, Canada and the United States today share the largest bilateral commercial relationship between any two countries in the world. Since 1993, Canada's trade in merchandise with its NAFTA partners has more than doubled to reach $597 billion in 2007.
"Simon Reisman leaves a strong legacy for Canadians. He helped shape our trade policy, and his formidable accomplishments have greatly contributed to our prosperity and quality of life.
"I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Reisman."
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Lynn Meahan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics
613-992-7332
Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT)
