NEWS RELEASES

March 4, 2004 (2:00 p.m. EST) No. 33

PETERSON HOSTS MEETING WITH

PROVINCIAL AND TERRITORIAL COUNTERPARTS

International Trade Minister Jim Peterson today hosted a federal-provincial-territorial trade ministers' meeting in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The meeting focused on how to enhance federal, provincial and territorial partnerships to strengthen Canada's overall trade and investment strategy.

"I am a firm believer in engaging the provinces and territories in discussions on the priorities and opportunities that Canada will have in the coming year," said Minister Peterson. "In order to ensure that Canada's trade policies and strategies reflect collective national interests, it is essential to maintain and build strong channels of communication and collaboration."

The meeting examined Canada's current investment climate, emerging markets, relations with the U.S., including the success of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and bilateral trade initiatives, as well as negotiations at the Free Trade Area of the Americas and the World Trade Organization.

"Governments at all levels, federal, provincial, territorial and municipal, have an important role to play in promoting trade and investment," added Minister Peterson. "We can achieve so much by working together to meet challenges and maximize opportunities in a rapidly changing global economy."

Ministers agreed that NAFTA has been of great benefit to all Canadians, and that they must work together to ensure that such benefits are fully understood by all its members.

They underscored their commitment to expand trade and investment in North America. They agreed that broadening our advocacy and international business development efforts in the United States through the government's Enhanced Representation Initiative was a positive step that had the potential to benefit all levels of government. Scott Brison, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister with special emphasis on Canada-U.S., participated in these discussions.

The provinces and territories agreed to work closely together to promote Canada as a prime investment destination. They also decided to enhance efforts aimed at attracting new investors and retaining existing investments in Canada and will collaborate with the federal government to develop a comprehensive strategy on new and emerging markets, with particular emphasis on China, India and Brazil.

Ten provinces and territories were represented at the ministerial meeting: five trade ministers from Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec and Manitoba, and five deputy ministers or senior officials from Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and the Yukon.

The following ministers were present at the meeting: Michel Audet, Quebec Minister of Economic and Regional Development; Peter Mesheau, New Brunswick Minister of Business; Ernest Fage, Nova Scotia Minister of Economic Development, MaryAnn Mihychuk, Manitoba Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade, and Kathy Dunderdale, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Jacqueline LaRocque
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade
(613) 992-7332

Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca