Canada’s Pro-trade Plan to Benefit Manitobans

Creating jobs and opportunities for hard-working Canadians in every region of the country is our priority, says Parliamentary Secretary O’Toole

May 22, 2014 – Brandon, Manitoba – Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada

Erin O’Toole, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, concluded a two-day visit to Brandon, Manitoba, during which he highlighted the government’s pro-trade plan to support Canadian workers and businesses in achieving continued success, economic growth and prosperity in Manitoba and across Canada.

In the past two days, Mr. O’Toole has held a round table with cattle and pork producers in Brandon, met with executives from the Brandon Chamber of Commerce and toured McKenzie Seeds, a packet seed company that has been a leader and innovator in the Canadian gardening industry since 1986. Mr. O’Toole also visited Koch Fertilizer, LLC, which along with its subsidiaries is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of fertilizer.

During his visits, Mr. O’Toole highlighted Canada’s trade promotion efforts, including the recent announcement of embedded trade commissioners with sector association across the country. He also encouraged workers and business to position themselves to take advantage of the recently concluded free trade agreement with South Korea and the 500 million consumer market of the European Union, underscoring the huge benefits it will bring to Manitobans.

Quick Facts

On March 11, 2014, Canada and South Korea announced the conclusion of negotiations on the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement.

The Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement—Canada’s first free trade agreement in the Asia-Pacific region—will provide Canadian businesses and workers with new access to South Korea.

The EU is Manitoba’s fourth-largest export destination and third-largest trading partner.

Quotes

“Our government recognizes the importance of opening new markets for Canadian goods, services and investment, which is why we launched the most ambitious pro-trade plan in Canadian history. The recently concluded free trade agreement with South Korea and the Canada-EU agreement-in-principle are great examples of how our government is putting in place tools that will create jobs and opportunities for Canadians across the country, including right here in Manitoba.”

Erin O’Toole, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade

“Manitobans are well positioned to benefit from Canada’s improved access to markets as important as the European Union and South Korea. Measures that help Manitoban companies grow and prosper abroad foster a dynamic economy and vibrant communities.”

Larry Maguire, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris

Associated Links

How the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement Will Benefit Manitoba

How the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Will Benefit Manitoba

Contacts

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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