NEWS RELEASES
INTERNATIONAL TRADE--THE VIEWS OF CANADIANS
May 23, 2002 (11:00 a.m. EDT) No. 56
INTERNATIONAL TRADE--THE VIEWS OF CANADIANS
Minister for International Trade Pierre Pettigrew made the following statement today, concerning the results of a
survey of Canadian attitudes toward international trade:
"The study shows that, in the opinion of the majority of Canadians, international trade has made a significant
contribution, over the past ten years, to the growth of the Canadian economy, to job creation in the provinces,
and to the emergence of new Canadian technology and innovations.
"The results say a lot about the growing importance that Canadians attribute to international trade and its
benefits for our country's economy. The survey underscores the confidence of Canadians, a confidence that
comes from our ability to do business on world markets and compete with anyone.
"Canadians are also confident that a more open trading system will create business opportunities for Canada
and will benefit developing countries, giving them greater opportunities to improve their quality of life. Eight
Canadians in ten believe that Canada can do more to help the developing world by opening up our markets to
imports from developing countries.
"This confidence is also seen in the ambition of Canadians to expand our horizons, to go beyond the U.S.
market to find new opportunities for our companies. With this in mind, the Prime Minister has recently led Team
Canada missions to China, Russia and Germany. I personally intend to continue in this vein, and my trade
mission to India will be followed soon by a mission to Mexico."
Canadians are invited to consult the results of the survey, which can be found at the following address:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/tna-nac/Consult6-e.asp
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A backgrounder is attached.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Sébastien Théberge
Office of the Minister for International Trade
(613) 992-7332
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
Backgrounder
HIGHLIGHTS OF PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY
ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Confidence of Canadians seen in their views concerning international trade
Although the year 2001 was marked by a climate of economic uncertainty, Canadians remain confident
concerning international trade and its growing benefits for the Canadian economy.
More than 8 Canadians out of 10 (82 percent) feel that, over the past ten years, international trade has
contributed significantly to the Canadian economy. The greatest optimism is clearly evident among those with
higher education and income levels.
Interest among Canadians about trade-related issues is high. They see trade benefiting large corporations first
and foremost and, to a far lesser degree, local businesses, SMEs and Canadians in general.
Canadians see trade as holding forth possibilities for Canada in the form of job creation and the development of
technology and innovation.
Trade should benefit the developing countries
Of those surveyed, 77 percent felt that by increasing imports from developing countries, we could help to further
their economic growth.
Expanding our horizons and diversifying our markets
A majority of Canadians (69 percent) believed that Canada should strive to find new markets for its products
and services.
The vast majority felt that the Canadian government should focus on SMEs and provide them with services and
information to promote their export endeavours.
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