Ontario and Quebec Urge Stronger Ties to EU

(The Canada Press – Canada NewsWire)

Two Canadian provincial cabinet ministers, one from Ontario and one from Quebec, joined the Canada Europe Roundtable for Business (CERT) at a meeting with European Union Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson in Brussels, Belgium today.

The meeting demonstrated strong support from Canadian political and business leaders for the negotiation of a trade agreement between Canada and the EU.

CERT Co-Chairs Roy MacLaren and William Emmot presented a declaration in support of such an agreement signed by 96 prominent business leaders from Canada and Europe. Quebec cabinet minister Raymond Bachand and Ontario cabinet minister Sandra Pupatello presented a common position on behalf of the two Canadian provinces in support of commencing Canada-EU trade negotiations.

A Canada-EU trade agreement would provide European companies with a gateway into the vast North American market, while increasing Canadian opportunities in the European Common Market – boosting transatlantic economic growth over the medium- to long-term.

“Today’s meeting clearly demonstrates the desire of the Canadian and European business communities, and the political support, to work towards the creation of a Canada-EU trade agreement bringing benefit for trade in services, as well as goods, and promoting investment,” said Roy MacLaren, Co-Chair CERT.