April 23, 2014 - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, today addressed members of the North Saskatoon Business Association and highlighted the government’s pro-trade plan to support Canadian workers and businesses in achieving continued success, economic growth and prosperity in Saskatchewan and across Canada. Minister Fast was accompanied by Brad Trost, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Humboldt, and Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar.
Minister Fast highlighted the recently announced free trade agreement with South Korea and the agreement-in-principle with the European Union, underlining the job-creating benefits both will bring to Canadians, including residents of Saskatchewan. He reminded the audience that one in five Canadian jobs is linked to exports and that is why Canada is embarking on the most ambitious trade expansion plan in its history. Since 2006, Canada has concluded free trade agreements with no less than 38 countries, bringing the total to 43.
The Minister highlighted how, under the Global Markets Action Plan, the government is focusing on sectors and markets that offer the greatest opportunity for growth, by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises as they expand into new markets through vigorous and continual trade promotion, supported by an ambitious trade policy.
Minister Fast also took the opportunity to announce an $18,700 contribution to the Saskatchewan Economic Development Association and a $34,500 contribution to the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority. The contributions are from the Invest Canada-Community Initiatives program, which helps local communities attract, retain and expand job-creating foreign direct investment.
“Our government is currently undertaking the most ambitious trade expansion plan in our nation’s history. By actively pursuing new trade and investment opportunities, we are providing all Canadians with access, on preferred terms, to the largest, most dynamic and fastest-growing economies and regions in the world.”
Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade
“Saskatchewan stands to prosper from our government’s efforts to create new opportunities for businesses and workers. That includes our free trade agreements as well as our financial contributions to help local communities attract, retain and expand job-creating foreign direct investment.”
Brad Trost, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Humboldt
“With 1 in 10 Canadian jobs linked to foreign investment, the Harper government understands that attracting new investment to communities across the country creates prosperity for Canadian workers and their families. Canadian talent, competitive costs, low taxes, strong banking sector and vibrant, safe communities are recognized as a winning formula by global investors and will help provide more high-value jobs and new innovation to Saskatoon.”
Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar
Shannon Gutoskie
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
613-992-7332
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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