Modification - Opening New Markets and Increasing Canadian Exports Generates Jobs—Creating Benefits for Middle-Class Families: Report

Modification: wording change in second quotation

Modification - September 11, 2012 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today released Canada’s State of Trade: Trade and Investment Update 2012. This Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada publication provides an annual overview of the country’s international trade and investment, and outlines how opening new markets for Canadian exports creates jobs, growth, long-term prosperity and other benefits for Canadian workers, businesses and families.

“Our government is focused on what matters to Canadians: creating jobs, promoting economic growth and securing long-term prosperity,” said Minister Fast. “That is why we continue to open new markets to increase Canadian exports as part of the most ambitious trade expansion plan in Canadian history.”

This year’s report includes a special feature on how trade benefits Canadian workers, businesses and families. Examples include:

• Jobs: One in five Canadian jobs is linked to exports.
• Economic growth: The report notes that the total value of Canadian trade, both exports and imports, was equivalent to about 63 percent of Canadian gross domestic product in 2011.
• Long-term prosperity: Opening new markets for Canadian exports allows businesses to expand and become more efficient, innovative and competitive, all of which lead to a higher standard of living, more jobs and higher wages for workers.
• Consumer benefits for Canadians: International trade benefits Canadian consumers by increasing the variety of products available in domestic markets. The increased competition created by open trade leads to lower prices and greater selection of products and services, all of which helps to reduce inflation and keep money in the pockets of hard-working Canadians.

“This report notes that exports represent one out of every five jobs in Canada and that trade generates over 60 percent of our country’s annual economic activity, clear proof that our government’s efforts to gain deeper and broader access to the largest, most dynamic and fastest-growing markets in the world is the best way to create new jobs, grow our economy and bring long-term prosperity and other consumer benefits to families across Canada,” concluded Minister Fast.

For more information, consult Canada’s State of Trade 2012 and Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2012.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Adam Taylor
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-7332

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