April 23, 2009 (1:05 p.m. EDT)
No. 107

Minister Day Works with Provincial and Territorial Partners to Promote Trade

The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today concluded a successful meeting with provincial and territorial trade ministers in which they discussed ways to advance Canada’s international trade and investment agenda.

“During this economic downturn, my colleagues and I are working together to expand trade opportunities for Canadian exporters and create more jobs across Canada in a wide range of sectors, from agriculture and forestry to aerospace and information technology,” said Minister Day. “We want to build new partnerships with emerging markets in China and India, support continued free trade and investment with the United States and deepen our commercial ties with the European Union.

“The downturn, as serious as it is, also provides an enormous opportunity to enhance our competitive position in North America by tackling cross-border issues that have been limiting our growth. The provinces and territories can support these efforts by actively engaging with U.S. state governments and reinforcing the message that Canada is an important partner as we work for the future of North America.”

Minister Day also reported on his meetings with European ministers, in which he sought support for a closer Canada-EU economic relationship. He stressed the importance of an enhanced economic agreement with the EU; provinces and territories reiterated their support.

Minister Day and his provincial and territorial counterparts also discussed Canada’s engagement with emerging markets, such as China and India—two of the fastest-growing economies in the world—and how best to seize opportunities in those markets for Canadians. This important engagement helps Canadian firms thrive abroad and create jobs at home. 

Canada and India have already agreed to initiate exploratory discussions toward a comprehensive economic partnership agreement to better take advantage of the huge trade and investment potential that exists between the two countries, especially in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture and industrial goods.

“Our government values close collaboration with provinces and territories in advancing Canada’s trade agenda,” said Minister Day. “The provinces and territories are key partners in supporting successful trade relationships, and we discussed how best to position Canada in international markets.”

The ministers also talked about a number of other issues including the current state of the Canadian economy, softwood lumber and Canada’s ongoing bilateral trade agenda.

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The list of participants follows.

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-6186

Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000

List of Participants

Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific

Gateway, Government of Canada

Ron Stevens, Deputy Premier and Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations, Government of Alberta

Andrew Swan, Minister of Competitiveness, Training and Trade and Minister of Manitoba Liquor Control Commission and Manitoba Lotteries Corporation, Government of Manitoba

Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and Minister responsible for the Rural Secretariat, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Edith Doucet, Deputy Minister, Intergovernmental Affairs, Government of New Brunswick

Robert R. McLeod, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Government of the Northwest Territories

Murray Scott, Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia Business Incorporated, Government of Nova Scotia

Peter Taptuna, Deputy Premier and Minister of Economic Development and Transportation and Minister responsible for Nunavut Business Credit Corporation and Minister responsible for Nunavut Development Corporation and Minister responsible for Mines, Government of Nunavut

Sandra Pupatello, Minister of International Trade and Investment, Government of Ontario

Allan V. Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning, Government of Prince Edward Island

Raymond Bachand, Minister of Finance and Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, Government of Quebec

Harley Olsen, Deputy Minister, Intergovernmental Affairs, Government of Saskatchewan

Jim Kenyon, Minister of Economic Development, Minister responsible for Yukon Housing Corporation, Minister responsible for Yukon Energy Corporation and Minister responsible for Yukon Development Corporation, Government of Yukon