Creating jobs and opportunities for hard-working Canadians in every region of the country is our priority, says Parliamentary Secretary O’Toole
June 26, 2014 - Blackfalds, Alberta - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Erin O’Toole, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, today highlighted the economic benefits to Alberta of Canada’s pro-trade plan at a business round table in Blackfalds, Alberta.
Guided by the Global Markets Action Plan (GMAP), Canada’s blueprint for creating jobs and opportunities through trade, the Government of Canada is ensuring that Alberta exporters, especially crucial small and medium-sized enterprises, have the tools they need to win in the global marketplace. The plan reflects the changing global landscape, focuses on core Canadian strengths and aligns Canada’s diplomatic resources to advance the country’s commercial interests.
Parliamentary Secretary O’Toole also 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 Albertans. 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. In less than eight years, Canada has concluded free trade agreements with 38 countries and is negotiating agreements with more than 20 others, including Japan, India and the members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
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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