(CBC – The Canadian Press)
The G20 nations must keep trade markets open, strengthen banking regulations and nurture a sustained and balanced recovery from the world economic crisis, Prime Minister Stephen Harper says. Those were the priorities Harper laid out for the “sherpas,” the senior bureaucrats who are holding two days of meetings in Ottawa to lay out the agenda for June’s economic summit in Toronto.
The prime minister told the negotiators recovery is by no means fully assured, and he said the G20 will be judged not just by its ability to respond to crisis, but also “its capacity to lead the world through recovery and beyond.”
Harper said it’s natural and expected for countries to defend their national interests, but he said those must be “enlightened” and take into account the overall, long-term needs of the global economy. Read more here.
Showing posts with label Stephen Harper. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stephen Harper. Show all posts
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Mulroney Heaps Praise on Harper's Pursuit of Latin American Free Trade Deals
(Mike Blanchfield — The Canadian Press)
Former Conservative prime minister Brian Mulroney gave a rare thumbs-up to Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Monday night, lauding his aggressive pursuit of free trade in Latin America.
“This is how you create jobs,” Mulroney told a gathering of current and former diplomats and politicians at a speech celebrating the 20th anniversary of Canada’s entry into the Organization of American States.
“This demonstrates to how Canadian interests can be served more efficiently by enlightened foreign policy.”
Mulroney heaped praise on Harper’s Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon, and Peter Kent, the portfolio’s junior minister responsible for Latin America.
Canada’s trade with Latin America, Mexico and the Caribbean has grown seven times to $46 billion since the late 1980s, said Mulroney. Read more here.
Former Conservative prime minister Brian Mulroney gave a rare thumbs-up to Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Monday night, lauding his aggressive pursuit of free trade in Latin America.
“This is how you create jobs,” Mulroney told a gathering of current and former diplomats and politicians at a speech celebrating the 20th anniversary of Canada’s entry into the Organization of American States.
“This demonstrates to how Canadian interests can be served more efficiently by enlightened foreign policy.”
Mulroney heaped praise on Harper’s Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon, and Peter Kent, the portfolio’s junior minister responsible for Latin America.
Canada’s trade with Latin America, Mexico and the Caribbean has grown seven times to $46 billion since the late 1980s, said Mulroney. Read more here.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Harper Meets with Biden Over Trade, Security
(Jane Taber — Globe & Mail)
Leaders discuss bilateral issues in advance of summer’s G8, G20 summits
Stephen Harper thanked U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden yesterday for working to put an end to American protectionism and opening up the cross-border trading relationship again.
“I want to thank the [Obama] administration for concluding Buy America,” the Prime Minister said yesterday during a photo op with the Vice-President.
The two met in Vancouver; Mr. Biden is here leading the U.S. Olympic delegation and attended the opening ceremony of the Vancouver Winter Games Friday night. Read more here.
Leaders discuss bilateral issues in advance of summer’s G8, G20 summits
Stephen Harper thanked U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden yesterday for working to put an end to American protectionism and opening up the cross-border trading relationship again.
“I want to thank the [Obama] administration for concluding Buy America,” the Prime Minister said yesterday during a photo op with the Vice-President.
The two met in Vancouver; Mr. Biden is here leading the U.S. Olympic delegation and attended the opening ceremony of the Vancouver Winter Games Friday night. Read more here.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Free Trade with India Gets a Boost
(Embassy – Laura Payton)
It may have taken him almost four years to set foot in India, but Prime Minister Stephen Harper leaves today having bolstered Canada's image in the Asian giant and with promises to start moving ahead on comprehensive trade talks.
However, a highly anticipated nuclear co-operation agreement – which some speculated would be finalized during the prime minister's visit following the weekend's Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation meeting – remains elusive.
Yesterday, Mr. Harper and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh oversaw the signing of two memoranda of understanding.
The first establishes a joint study group that will start working toward a comprehensive economic partnership agreement – the same advanced free trade-style agreement currently being negotiated between Canada and the European Union. It will encompass not just free trade but movement of labour and services as well.
Last year, business executives from both countries called on their respective governments to undertake free trade talks. In a statement yesterday, the Canadian Council of Chief Executives – which has led earlier calls on the issue – praised the decision to move forward.
"Today's establishment of the Joint Study Group sends a clear signal that our two countries are committed to an ambitious agenda of economic co-operation," said CCCE chief Thomas D'Aquino.
Peter Sutherland, a former Canadian high commissioner in India and deputy vice-chair of the Canada-India Business Council, says any step in the direction of a free trade agreement is progress, and that it underscores the interest and resolve of both governments to expand bilateral trade and investment. Read more here.
It may have taken him almost four years to set foot in India, but Prime Minister Stephen Harper leaves today having bolstered Canada's image in the Asian giant and with promises to start moving ahead on comprehensive trade talks.
However, a highly anticipated nuclear co-operation agreement – which some speculated would be finalized during the prime minister's visit following the weekend's Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation meeting – remains elusive.
Yesterday, Mr. Harper and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh oversaw the signing of two memoranda of understanding.
The first establishes a joint study group that will start working toward a comprehensive economic partnership agreement – the same advanced free trade-style agreement currently being negotiated between Canada and the European Union. It will encompass not just free trade but movement of labour and services as well.
Last year, business executives from both countries called on their respective governments to undertake free trade talks. In a statement yesterday, the Canadian Council of Chief Executives – which has led earlier calls on the issue – praised the decision to move forward.
"Today's establishment of the Joint Study Group sends a clear signal that our two countries are committed to an ambitious agenda of economic co-operation," said CCCE chief Thomas D'Aquino.
Peter Sutherland, a former Canadian high commissioner in India and deputy vice-chair of the Canada-India Business Council, says any step in the direction of a free trade agreement is progress, and that it underscores the interest and resolve of both governments to expand bilateral trade and investment. Read more here.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Canada, India Sign Agreements to Boost Energy, Economic Ties
(Bloomberg)
Canada and India signed agreements to enhance cooperation in energy and examine a free trade pact to boost economic ties between the two nations.
The accords were signed following talks between Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh in New Delhi today.
India, which this year signed free trade pacts with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and South Korea, is forging new alliances to diversify its export markets. The U.S., Europe and Japan account for 60 percent of India’s merchandise exports. Harper and Singh said they hope to increase bilateral trade to $15 billion a year within the next five years from about $5 billion now. Read more here.
Canada and India signed agreements to enhance cooperation in energy and examine a free trade pact to boost economic ties between the two nations.
The accords were signed following talks between Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh in New Delhi today.
India, which this year signed free trade pacts with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and South Korea, is forging new alliances to diversify its export markets. The U.S., Europe and Japan account for 60 percent of India’s merchandise exports. Harper and Singh said they hope to increase bilateral trade to $15 billion a year within the next five years from about $5 billion now. Read more here.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada
(Government of Canada)
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement at the close of the 2009 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Summit:
“While Canada’s economy was built through trans-Atlantic trade, our future prosperity will increasingly depend on our ties to the Pacific. The region is home to some of the world’s most dynamic and fastest growing economies.
“Our discussions underscored the importance of continued cooperation on Canada’s number one priority – responding to the global economic downturn.
“Since last year’s Summit, we have focussed on resisting protectionism, reforming the global financial system and stimulating our economies, which have helped set the stage for recovery.
“Leaders also met and agreed on the need to keep focussed on the problem of climate change. Although we do not expect to get a legally binding agreement, progress can still be made at Copenhagen.
“I met with several fellow leaders, including Prime Ministers Key of New Zealand, Hatoyama of Japan and Rudd of Australia as well as Presidents Obama of the United States, Tri?t of Vietnam and Medvedev of Russia.
“Looking forward, we will work closely with South Korea to deliver successful G-20 Summits in 2010 that follow up on commitments made in Pittsburgh, London and Washington.”
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement at the close of the 2009 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Summit:
“While Canada’s economy was built through trans-Atlantic trade, our future prosperity will increasingly depend on our ties to the Pacific. The region is home to some of the world’s most dynamic and fastest growing economies.
“Our discussions underscored the importance of continued cooperation on Canada’s number one priority – responding to the global economic downturn.
“Since last year’s Summit, we have focussed on resisting protectionism, reforming the global financial system and stimulating our economies, which have helped set the stage for recovery.
“Leaders also met and agreed on the need to keep focussed on the problem of climate change. Although we do not expect to get a legally binding agreement, progress can still be made at Copenhagen.
“I met with several fellow leaders, including Prime Ministers Key of New Zealand, Hatoyama of Japan and Rudd of Australia as well as Presidents Obama of the United States, Tri?t of Vietnam and Medvedev of Russia.
“Looking forward, we will work closely with South Korea to deliver successful G-20 Summits in 2010 that follow up on commitments made in Pittsburgh, London and Washington.”
Harper Promotes Trade Links to India
(CBC News)
Prime Minister Stephen Harper pitched Canada as a potential sales partner to business leaders in India on Monday, the first day of his whirlwind three-day tour of the South Asian economic powerhouse.
Harper told an audience of Indian business investors at a hotel in Mumbai that the combined GDP of the two countries is on its way to $4 trillion, and yet two-way trade is just $5 billion.
That represents a lot of untapped business potential, he said.
Harper’s efforts to strengthen economic ties with India are a recognition of India’s rising importance as one of the world’s fast-growing economies.
“The South Asian tiger has awoken and the world is standing in awe,” he told the business leaders. Read more here.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper pitched Canada as a potential sales partner to business leaders in India on Monday, the first day of his whirlwind three-day tour of the South Asian economic powerhouse.
Harper told an audience of Indian business investors at a hotel in Mumbai that the combined GDP of the two countries is on its way to $4 trillion, and yet two-way trade is just $5 billion.
That represents a lot of untapped business potential, he said.
Harper’s efforts to strengthen economic ties with India are a recognition of India’s rising importance as one of the world’s fast-growing economies.
“The South Asian tiger has awoken and the world is standing in awe,” he told the business leaders. Read more here.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
PM Departs for Asia with Ambitious Agenda
(David Akin — Canwest News Service)
Prime Minister Stephen Harper travels Thursday to Asia for a weekend summit in Singapore of Pacific Rim nations, followed by three days next week in India, a trip that Canadian officials hope leads to “a brand new era of partnership” with the world’s largest democracy.
It will be Harper’s first trip to India and his office has a jam-packed dawn-to-dusk itinerary that includes political, commercial, cultural and spiritual events. […]
“This is a very ambitious agenda for India,” said Dimitri Soudas, Harper’s chief spokesman. “There is a tremendous amount of untapped potential to the Canada-India relationship.”
A key focus for the trip will be improved trade relations with India, a country of 1.2 billion people whose economy is rapidly expanding despite the recession. Two-way trade between the two countries is tiny, at just $2 billion a year, but officials in both countries believe the time is right to increase that amount. Read more here.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper travels Thursday to Asia for a weekend summit in Singapore of Pacific Rim nations, followed by three days next week in India, a trip that Canadian officials hope leads to “a brand new era of partnership” with the world’s largest democracy.
It will be Harper’s first trip to India and his office has a jam-packed dawn-to-dusk itinerary that includes political, commercial, cultural and spiritual events. […]
“This is a very ambitious agenda for India,” said Dimitri Soudas, Harper’s chief spokesman. “There is a tremendous amount of untapped potential to the Canada-India relationship.”
A key focus for the trip will be improved trade relations with India, a country of 1.2 billion people whose economy is rapidly expanding despite the recession. Two-way trade between the two countries is tiny, at just $2 billion a year, but officials in both countries believe the time is right to increase that amount. Read more here.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
‘Buy American’ Hard to Halt: Harper
(CBC News)
Prime Minister Stephen Harper warned Canadians on Thursday that discouraging protectionist trade policies in the United States might not be a straightforward task.
Speaking at a news conference announcing a new economic agency for southern Ontario in Kitchener, Harper touched on the subject of how Canada could best discourage a growing call for trade protectionism by its southern neighbour.
Protectionism in the face of moribund local economies featured prominently in discussions in Guadalajara, Mexico earlier this week among Harper, U.S. President Barack Obama and Mexican President Felipe Calderon.
There are global fears that the “Buy American” provisions slipped into the $787-billion US stimulus package by the U.S. Congress last February and designed to stimulate job creation in the United States will cut off any nascent economic recovery in Canada at its knees.
Ottawa is confident that an agreement on the issue can be reached, Harper said, but he cautioned that won’t simply being a case of getting a pledge from Obama on the issue. Read more here.
Related: Canada, U.S. business groups unite against Buy American (Calgary Herald)
Prime Minister Stephen Harper warned Canadians on Thursday that discouraging protectionist trade policies in the United States might not be a straightforward task.
Speaking at a news conference announcing a new economic agency for southern Ontario in Kitchener, Harper touched on the subject of how Canada could best discourage a growing call for trade protectionism by its southern neighbour.
Protectionism in the face of moribund local economies featured prominently in discussions in Guadalajara, Mexico earlier this week among Harper, U.S. President Barack Obama and Mexican President Felipe Calderon.
There are global fears that the “Buy American” provisions slipped into the $787-billion US stimulus package by the U.S. Congress last February and designed to stimulate job creation in the United States will cut off any nascent economic recovery in Canada at its knees.
Ottawa is confident that an agreement on the issue can be reached, Harper said, but he cautioned that won’t simply being a case of getting a pledge from Obama on the issue. Read more here.
Related: Canada, U.S. business groups unite against Buy American (Calgary Herald)
Canada Will Keep on Trading
(Alexander Panetta — The Canadian Press)
PM: Global trade talks ‘stalled,’ Canada to pursue bilateral deals
Canada will proceed with a flurry of free-trade deals because the dream of one big global trade arrangement appears “stalled,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Tuesday.
He made the remarks at a signing ceremony at the presidential palace in Panama, which became the eighth country to reach a free-trade agreement with the Harper government.
Canada exported a mere $128 million to Panama last year — but that country’s economy is growing at a blistering pace, with a 9.2 per cent increase last year despite the global recession.
The deal fits the step-by-step strategy now being pursued by the Harper government.
That piecemeal approach will help fill the vacuum left by the apparent collapse of the Doha round of global trade talks at the World Trade Organization.
“I agree a number of these agreements are small, but if you add them up they become larger and larger,” Harper told a news conference. Read more here.
Related: A list of existing free trade agreements and the current status of those pending or being negotiated can be found at the International Trade Canada website.
PM and President Ricardo Martinelli mark conclusion of Canada-Panama free trade negotiations (DFAIT)
Canadian manufacturers find new markets to replace U.S. (Reuters/Financial Post)
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
North American Leaders’ Summit Yields No Concrete Steps on Trade
(Video: Voice of America • Story: World Trade Interactive)
As expected, a weekend summit among the leaders of the U.S., Canada and Mexico yielded no concrete measures on trade. The U.S. and Mexico did discuss their ongoing dispute over access for Mexican trucks but there was no indication as to when or how the two sides might resolve it. A joint statement following the meeting focused primarily on the need for further trilateral cooperation on trade and economic issues.
With respect to trade, President Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Mexican President Felipe Calderon pledged to “abide by our international responsibilities and avoid protectionist measures.” They also reiterated their commitment to “reinvigorate our trading relationship and to ensure that the benefits of our economic relationship are widely shared and sustainable.” The three leaders sidestepped the issue of a possible renegotiation of NAFTA to include enforceable provisions on labor and the environment, saying instead that they will engage in a “continuing dialogue to address the functioning of the Labor and Environmental side agreements.” The joint statement cited work in a number of other trade-related areas as well, including modernizing border infrastructure to facilitate trade and the smooth operation of supply chains, strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure, cooperating in the protection of intellectual property rights and reducing unnecessary regulatory differences.
Read more here.
As expected, a weekend summit among the leaders of the U.S., Canada and Mexico yielded no concrete measures on trade. The U.S. and Mexico did discuss their ongoing dispute over access for Mexican trucks but there was no indication as to when or how the two sides might resolve it. A joint statement following the meeting focused primarily on the need for further trilateral cooperation on trade and economic issues.
With respect to trade, President Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Mexican President Felipe Calderon pledged to “abide by our international responsibilities and avoid protectionist measures.” They also reiterated their commitment to “reinvigorate our trading relationship and to ensure that the benefits of our economic relationship are widely shared and sustainable.” The three leaders sidestepped the issue of a possible renegotiation of NAFTA to include enforceable provisions on labor and the environment, saying instead that they will engage in a “continuing dialogue to address the functioning of the Labor and Environmental side agreements.” The joint statement cited work in a number of other trade-related areas as well, including modernizing border infrastructure to facilitate trade and the smooth operation of supply chains, strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure, cooperating in the protection of intellectual property rights and reducing unnecessary regulatory differences.
Read more here.
Monday, August 10, 2009
North American Summit
(CNN — “Lou Dobbs Tonight”)
President Obama today acknowledging there is what he called a vigorous debate on health care. He made those remarks at a summit with President Felipe Calderon of Mexico and Prime Minister Harper of Canada, in the Mexican city of Guadalajara. One of the top issues in the summit, the global swine flu outbreak.
The outbreak began in Mexico in the spring and there are concerns that it could significantly worsen this fall. President Obama said, quote, “this challenge transcends borders and so must our response.” President Obama also indicating he believes borders are less important in North America in the 21st century.
The president saying, quote, “North America’s defined not simply by our borders, but by our bonds.” To many, his remarks suggest the president wants even closer ties… Read the complete transcript here.
President Obama today acknowledging there is what he called a vigorous debate on health care. He made those remarks at a summit with President Felipe Calderon of Mexico and Prime Minister Harper of Canada, in the Mexican city of Guadalajara. One of the top issues in the summit, the global swine flu outbreak.
The outbreak began in Mexico in the spring and there are concerns that it could significantly worsen this fall. President Obama said, quote, “this challenge transcends borders and so must our response.” President Obama also indicating he believes borders are less important in North America in the 21st century.
The president saying, quote, “North America’s defined not simply by our borders, but by our bonds.” To many, his remarks suggest the president wants even closer ties… Read the complete transcript here.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Trade: Will U.S. Notice If We Look the Other Way?
(Bogdan Kipling — Chronicle Herald)
Half a year ago, Prime Minister Stephen Harper saw a “historic” start in relations between Canada and the European Union. His Quebec City setting was perfect and the occasion was not overstated one bit. Mr. Harper was flanked by President Nicolas Sarkozy of France and Jose Manuel Barosso, president of the European Union, as he announced that Canada and the 27 member countries of the EU had a “comprehensive” economic partnership in the works.
Mr. Harper’s statement got little attention in Canada and none in the United States. Three days earlier, Canadians gave the Tories a fresh mandate and Canada’s commentariat was preoccupied with the “what does it mean?” question. Here in Washington, the silence was pretty overwhelming.
Canada fared better, by a whisker, on Tuesday. The Washington Times had a brief story in its “Briefly” roundup of news from the Americas. The Canada item carried the headline “Trade talks begin with EU” and Reuters mentions it in a story about International Trade Minister Stockwell Day’s visit in Washington.
Am I surprised? Heck, no. Canada gets little mention in the American media at the best of times, and right now American papers and TV are full of President Barack Obama’s “First Hundred Days” – in special sections yet. Read more here.
Half a year ago, Prime Minister Stephen Harper saw a “historic” start in relations between Canada and the European Union. His Quebec City setting was perfect and the occasion was not overstated one bit. Mr. Harper was flanked by President Nicolas Sarkozy of France and Jose Manuel Barosso, president of the European Union, as he announced that Canada and the 27 member countries of the EU had a “comprehensive” economic partnership in the works.
Mr. Harper’s statement got little attention in Canada and none in the United States. Three days earlier, Canadians gave the Tories a fresh mandate and Canada’s commentariat was preoccupied with the “what does it mean?” question. Here in Washington, the silence was pretty overwhelming.
Canada fared better, by a whisker, on Tuesday. The Washington Times had a brief story in its “Briefly” roundup of news from the Americas. The Canada item carried the headline “Trade talks begin with EU” and Reuters mentions it in a story about International Trade Minister Stockwell Day’s visit in Washington.
Am I surprised? Heck, no. Canada gets little mention in the American media at the best of times, and right now American papers and TV are full of President Barack Obama’s “First Hundred Days” – in special sections yet. Read more here.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Harper Must Deal With Border Blather
(Calgary Herald)
W here do they get these people? Had former president George W. Bush appointed to guard America’s borders a person such as Janet Napolitano who thinks 9/ 11 terrorists entered the U. S. from Canada, those who still respect him would be yet contending with the sneers of those who thought he was a rube surrounded by more rubes. But, President Barack Obama has appointed Napolitano as his Homeland Security Secretary, and that is exactly what she told the CBC’s Washington correspondent, Neil Macdonald, on Monday.
Later, she recanted, saying she had misunderstood the question.
Really? It seemed simple enough. She having declared, “To the extent that terrorists have come into our country, or suspected or known terrorists have entered our country across a border, it’s been across the Canadian border,” Macdonald asked if she was referring to the 9/11 attackers. She replied, “Not just those, but others as well.”
If she wasn’t mentally nimble enough to follow the thread of such an uncomplicated conversation, what else does she not understand? Is it too much to hope a person tapped by the president for high office would exceed the average savvy by a margin proportionate to their promotion? Read the complete editorial here.
Related: Security Failings (Ottawa Citizen); Thickening border an ever-greater obstacle to U.S.-Canada trade (Vancouver Sun); Homeland Rigidity (Chronicle Herald)
W here do they get these people? Had former president George W. Bush appointed to guard America’s borders a person such as Janet Napolitano who thinks 9/ 11 terrorists entered the U. S. from Canada, those who still respect him would be yet contending with the sneers of those who thought he was a rube surrounded by more rubes. But, President Barack Obama has appointed Napolitano as his Homeland Security Secretary, and that is exactly what she told the CBC’s Washington correspondent, Neil Macdonald, on Monday.
Later, she recanted, saying she had misunderstood the question.
Really? It seemed simple enough. She having declared, “To the extent that terrorists have come into our country, or suspected or known terrorists have entered our country across a border, it’s been across the Canadian border,” Macdonald asked if she was referring to the 9/11 attackers. She replied, “Not just those, but others as well.”
If she wasn’t mentally nimble enough to follow the thread of such an uncomplicated conversation, what else does she not understand? Is it too much to hope a person tapped by the president for high office would exceed the average savvy by a margin proportionate to their promotion? Read the complete editorial here.
Related: Security Failings (Ottawa Citizen); Thickening border an ever-greater obstacle to U.S.-Canada trade (Vancouver Sun); Homeland Rigidity (Chronicle Herald)
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Harper ‘Delighted’ at Not Having to Reopen NAFTA
(AFP)
Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Tuesday he was “delighted” by a U.S. decision not to reopen the North American Free Trade Agreement to press for tougher labor and environmental protections.
“We’re delighted with this decision from the Americans,” Harper told a press conference during a visit to Jamaica, televised in Canada. “We can always improve on things, but it is essential to discuss the future and not review decisions taken in the past,” he said.
The 1994 trade pact created the largest trading bloc in the world by eliminating import tariffs on goods circulating among partners Canada, the United States and Mexico. During last year’s election campaign, then U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama often criticized the free trade pact and hinted that he might renegotiate it to include labor and environmental safeguards that would be enforced.
But Canada and Mexico were wary of reopening trade negotiations. “Once we re-open it, it would be very hard to get that cat back in the bag,” Harper explained.
On Monday, U.S. Trade Representative Ronald Kirk said after returning from a weekend Summit of the Americas in Trinidad that U.S. concerns “can be addressed without having to reopen the agreement.” Read more here.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Tuesday he was “delighted” by a U.S. decision not to reopen the North American Free Trade Agreement to press for tougher labor and environmental protections.
“We’re delighted with this decision from the Americans,” Harper told a press conference during a visit to Jamaica, televised in Canada. “We can always improve on things, but it is essential to discuss the future and not review decisions taken in the past,” he said.
The 1994 trade pact created the largest trading bloc in the world by eliminating import tariffs on goods circulating among partners Canada, the United States and Mexico. During last year’s election campaign, then U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama often criticized the free trade pact and hinted that he might renegotiate it to include labor and environmental safeguards that would be enforced.
But Canada and Mexico were wary of reopening trade negotiations. “Once we re-open it, it would be very hard to get that cat back in the bag,” Harper explained.
On Monday, U.S. Trade Representative Ronald Kirk said after returning from a weekend Summit of the Americas in Trinidad that U.S. concerns “can be addressed without having to reopen the agreement.” Read more here.
Monday, April 20, 2009
PM Pleased with Progress Made at the 2009 Summit of the Americas
(The Prime Minister’s Office)
Summit produces greater cooperation and dialogue in the hemisphere
Canada is pleased with the progress made by participants in the 2009 Summit of the Americas to fight the impact of the global recession on the Western Hemisphere, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said today [Sunday].
“We sought to keep the focus on the global economic crisis and I am pleased with the substantive discussions I had with my counterparts on ways we could work together as part of the global response,” said the Prime Minister. “I am also pleased that, for the most part, leaders were in agreement that maintaining open markets is critical to a regional and a global recovery.”
“We saw a tremendous reciprocation of that spirit as the conference went on by other members, who at times have had divergent views.”
To further strengthen ties between Canada and other states in the Americas, the Prime Minister announced several new trade and development initiatives at the summit. Canada will be doubling its commitment to the Inter-American Development Bank. In addition, the Prime Minister announced a five-year technical assistance program to help countries that have signed or are about to sign trade agreements with Canada. Canada will strengthen its support for democracy in the Americas through a substantial new contribution to the Organization of American States Electoral Assistance Initiative.
“We also wanted to continue building Canada’s engagement in the Americas, and I had several good meetings with leaders in pursuit of that goal,” said the Prime Minister. “Overall, this Summit has been successful from Canada’s point of view.”
Summit produces greater cooperation and dialogue in the hemisphere
Canada is pleased with the progress made by participants in the 2009 Summit of the Americas to fight the impact of the global recession on the Western Hemisphere, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said today [Sunday].
“We sought to keep the focus on the global economic crisis and I am pleased with the substantive discussions I had with my counterparts on ways we could work together as part of the global response,” said the Prime Minister. “I am also pleased that, for the most part, leaders were in agreement that maintaining open markets is critical to a regional and a global recovery.”
“We saw a tremendous reciprocation of that spirit as the conference went on by other members, who at times have had divergent views.”
To further strengthen ties between Canada and other states in the Americas, the Prime Minister announced several new trade and development initiatives at the summit. Canada will be doubling its commitment to the Inter-American Development Bank. In addition, the Prime Minister announced a five-year technical assistance program to help countries that have signed or are about to sign trade agreements with Canada. Canada will strengthen its support for democracy in the Americas through a substantial new contribution to the Organization of American States Electoral Assistance Initiative.
“We also wanted to continue building Canada’s engagement in the Americas, and I had several good meetings with leaders in pursuit of that goal,” said the Prime Minister. “Overall, this Summit has been successful from Canada’s point of view.”
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Harper in New York: Interview with Fox Business
(Video: Fox Business • Story: Canadian Press)
Prime Minister Stephen Harper was in the Big Apple on Monday [February 23], capitalizing on the goodwill from last week's presidential visit to extol Canada's virtues to American business representatives.
Harper began his day with an interview with Fox News, where he reminded an American audience of the value of the relationship between the two countries - even if one of them isn't prone to blowing its own horn very much. Read more here.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper was in the Big Apple on Monday [February 23], capitalizing on the goodwill from last week's presidential visit to extol Canada's virtues to American business representatives.
Harper began his day with an interview with Fox News, where he reminded an American audience of the value of the relationship between the two countries - even if one of them isn't prone to blowing its own horn very much. Read more here.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Harper Hits Mark With Border Security Message
(Jeff Davis — Embassy)
It’s a message Canadian diplomats and political heavyweights doggedly repeat, but with only a brief mention, President Barack Obama granted problems at the Canada-U.S. border their moment in the sun.
During his high-profile press conference in Ottawa on Feb. 19, President Obama expressed concern over the “thickening of borders,” and called attention to the need to “eas[e] some of these bottlenecks in our border.”
“Now we’ve got very real security concerns, as does Canada, but I think that it is possible for us to balance our security concerns with an open border that continues to encourage this extraordinary trade relationship in which we have one and a half billion dollars worth of trade going back and forth every single day,” the president said.
Hot on his heels, Prime Minister Stephen Harper tried to hammer home a clear message that Canada is a committed security partner, and serious about countering terrorist threats at the border.
“Not only have we since 9/11 made significant investments in security and security along our border, the view of this government is unequivocal: threats to the United States are threats to Canada,” Mr. Harper said. “There is no such thing as a threat to the national security of the United States which does not represent a direct threat to this country.”
Broadcast live across the U.S. on networks such as CNN, this one-two punch successfully caught the attention of a few members of the White House Press Corps.
Carrie Budoff Brown, a reporter with Washington, D.C.-based Politico, said the exchange raised an issue she rarely follows.
“The president got my attention, in part because I didn’t understand that there are bridges that are very clogged, when he said we have to start thinking about clearing up the bottlenecks,” she said. “The indication was that we have to pay attention to what’s going on up there.”
Other American reporters said they felt Mr. Harper took good advantage of the opportunity to speak to Americans through the unique lens of their own media. Read more here.
It’s a message Canadian diplomats and political heavyweights doggedly repeat, but with only a brief mention, President Barack Obama granted problems at the Canada-U.S. border their moment in the sun.
During his high-profile press conference in Ottawa on Feb. 19, President Obama expressed concern over the “thickening of borders,” and called attention to the need to “eas[e] some of these bottlenecks in our border.”
“Now we’ve got very real security concerns, as does Canada, but I think that it is possible for us to balance our security concerns with an open border that continues to encourage this extraordinary trade relationship in which we have one and a half billion dollars worth of trade going back and forth every single day,” the president said.
Hot on his heels, Prime Minister Stephen Harper tried to hammer home a clear message that Canada is a committed security partner, and serious about countering terrorist threats at the border.
“Not only have we since 9/11 made significant investments in security and security along our border, the view of this government is unequivocal: threats to the United States are threats to Canada,” Mr. Harper said. “There is no such thing as a threat to the national security of the United States which does not represent a direct threat to this country.”
Broadcast live across the U.S. on networks such as CNN, this one-two punch successfully caught the attention of a few members of the White House Press Corps.
Carrie Budoff Brown, a reporter with Washington, D.C.-based Politico, said the exchange raised an issue she rarely follows.
“The president got my attention, in part because I didn’t understand that there are bridges that are very clogged, when he said we have to start thinking about clearing up the bottlenecks,” she said. “The indication was that we have to pay attention to what’s going on up there.”
Other American reporters said they felt Mr. Harper took good advantage of the opportunity to speak to Americans through the unique lens of their own media. Read more here.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Harper Stresses Importance of Trade
(Sinclair Stewart — Globe & Mail)
Prime Minister Stephen Harper swept into Manhattan for a series of high-level meetings on the economic crisis Monday, publicly promoting open trade between Canada and the United States while privately casting about for input on how best to deal with worsening financial conditions at home.
Mr. Harper, looking to extend the momentum generated by U.S. President Barack Obama’s inaugural visit to Ottawa last week, warned against the escalating protectionist rhetoric in the United States and overseas, and took pains to remind Americans that cross-border trade will play a vital role in the recovery of both countries.
However, he also insisted that the global economy will remain mired in recession until Washington figures out a way to revive its ailing banks.
“The fact of the matter is, President Obama has a massive mess on his hands – and it is essential that the United States somehow stabilize its financial sector,” he said during an interview with Fox Business News. “Because if we don’t stabilize the financial sector, in the United States and abroad, we will not turn this recession around.” Read more here.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper swept into Manhattan for a series of high-level meetings on the economic crisis Monday, publicly promoting open trade between Canada and the United States while privately casting about for input on how best to deal with worsening financial conditions at home.
Mr. Harper, looking to extend the momentum generated by U.S. President Barack Obama’s inaugural visit to Ottawa last week, warned against the escalating protectionist rhetoric in the United States and overseas, and took pains to remind Americans that cross-border trade will play a vital role in the recovery of both countries.
However, he also insisted that the global economy will remain mired in recession until Washington figures out a way to revive its ailing banks.
“The fact of the matter is, President Obama has a massive mess on his hands – and it is essential that the United States somehow stabilize its financial sector,” he said during an interview with Fox Business News. “Because if we don’t stabilize the financial sector, in the United States and abroad, we will not turn this recession around.” Read more here.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Harper Hopes U.S. Develops a More “Pragmatic Approach” to Border Security
(The Canadian Press)
Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he hopes the new U.S. administration will take an approach to border security that involves much less red tape.
In an interview with CTV News on Friday, Harper said it’s too early to speculate whether U.S. President Barack Obama will try to make it easier for people and trade to cross the border.
But he says intends to eventually tell Obama that there is too much paperwork and processes that slow everything up but don’t identify real risks.
Harper called it a “gun registry” approach to border security, a reference to the former Liberal government’s move to force long gun owners to register their firearms.
Harper says there must be a more sensitive approach that properly identifies security risks while not interfering with commerce and tourism.
During the Bush administration’s term, the U.S. government imposed tougher requirements for people crossing the border. Read more here.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he hopes the new U.S. administration will take an approach to border security that involves much less red tape.
In an interview with CTV News on Friday, Harper said it’s too early to speculate whether U.S. President Barack Obama will try to make it easier for people and trade to cross the border.
But he says intends to eventually tell Obama that there is too much paperwork and processes that slow everything up but don’t identify real risks.
Harper called it a “gun registry” approach to border security, a reference to the former Liberal government’s move to force long gun owners to register their firearms.
Harper says there must be a more sensitive approach that properly identifies security risks while not interfering with commerce and tourism.
During the Bush administration’s term, the U.S. government imposed tougher requirements for people crossing the border. Read more here.
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