June 25, 2013 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry and Minister of State (Agriculture), today welcomed the confirmation of Penny Pritzker as United States Commerce Secretary:
“On behalf of all Canadians, we want to congratulate Penny Pritzker on her confirmation as U.S. Commerce Secretary. As the voice of business in government, the commerce secretary is a core member of the administration and a key ally for Canada in helping to create jobs and prosperity on both sides of the border.
“We are certain that Secretary Pritzker understands that with over $1.4 million in trade crossing the border every minute and millions of U.S. and Canadian jobs dependent on our bilateral trade and investment, we have a shared interest in continuing to strengthen our relationship.
“As one of the most distinguished business leaders in the United States, Secretary Pritzker brings a unique perspective to this important role, where she will act as a key bridge between the Obama administration and the business community.
“We look forward to working with Secretary Pritzker to lower regulatory burdens and eliminate red tape and other trade barriers, while further deepening the Canada-U.S. relationship—the greatest free trade success story in the world.”
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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
Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade
Margaux Stastny
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Christian Paradis
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
