The Honourable Ted Menzies, Minister of State (Finance), today highlighted the Harper Government's commitment to keep Canadian businesses competitive and growing in the face of a slowing global economic recovery at the Association of Canadian Port Authorities 2012 Conference.
"The Canadian economy has achieved one of the best performances among the G-7 countries. However, while not currently facing the depths of the downturn of a few years ago, the global economy remains stubbornly fragile," said Minister Menzies.
The Minister cited several key components of Economic Action Plan 2012 that directly benefit Canadian ports, as well as business in general. Since 2007, the Harper Government has made significant investments in ports and other infrastructure for transportation and trade. These investments support the role of ports as gateways to global markets and promote jobs and growth.
He also stressed the Harper Government's priority of deepening trade and investment ties in markets with the greatest potential for growth as a key stimulus for global economic recovery.
"Our Government's trade agenda has already made Canada one of the most open and globally engaged economies in the world," Minister Menzies said. "In addition to reaching free trade and foreign investment promotion and protection agreements with countries around the world, we are also actively pursuing new trade and investment opportunities in the other large, dynamic and fast-growing economies."
"Canada has already made many influential contributions to the global recovery effort. In the future, we will continue to work with our G-20 partners to develop further measures needed to bring us towards a global economy that is stronger and more stable than when the crisis first emerged," Minister Menzies concluded.
For further information, media may contact:
Craig Bellefontaine
Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Finance)
613-996-7861
Jack Aubry
Media Relations
Department of Finance
613-996-8080
