Working together to bring jobs, growth and prosperity to communities key to Canada’s pro-trade plan to open new markets
June 3, 2013 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, addressed the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Annual Conference and Trade Show in Vancouver today to underscore the Harper government’s strong partnership with municipalities.
“As our government continues to focus on creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity, we are proud of the partnership we have built with organizations like yours,” said Minister Fast. “Like the FCM, our government recognizes the importance of helping communities attract and retain job-creating international investment as we undertake the most ambitious trade expansion plan to open new markets to our exporters in Canadian history.”
The Invest Canada - Community Initiatives (ICCI) program has supported more than 900 projects and invested over $30 million in communities across Canada since 2006.
Minister Fast also provided an overview of the government’s pro-trade plan and efforts to open new markets, noting that since 2006 negotiations for free trade agreements have been concluded with nine countries and that the government is pursuing trade talks with nearly 50 other trading partners, including India, Japan and the European Union.
He concluded his remarks by providing an update on the negotiations toward a Canada-European Union comprehensive economic and trade agreement as well as an update on ongoing work to refresh the Global Commerce Strategy.
“As our government continues work on our pro-trade plan to open new markets and refresh the Global Commerce Strategy, I look forward to continuing to work with the FCM, as together, we bring greater prosperity to our shared constituents in communities across Canada,” said Minister Fast.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-7332
rudy.husny@international.gc.ca
Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
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