January 9, 2015 - Transport Minister Lisa Raitt and International Trade Minister Ed Fast issued the following joint statement in response to a communiqué issued by the Seafarers International Union of Canada linking the Canada-European Union free trade agreement with the recent terrorist attacks in France:
“We join Prime Minister Harper in expressing our anger and sadness regarding the terrorist attacks in France. Our thoughts and prayers are with the French people, especially the families and friends of the victims.
“Not only is the allegation false, it is a completely offensive and inappropriate tactic to use the global threat of terrorism to fear monger against the Canada-EU trade agreement.
“The timing of this release is absolutely shameful.
“Canada and its allies will not be intimidated. Together, we will stand firmly against terrorists who would threaten the peace, freedom and democracy our countries so dearly value.
“We know that all Canadians, including the hard workers of the marine shipping industry, support our government as we stand firmly with the people of France.”
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