Annual lists 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995

Ottawa, February 23, 1996
1996-011

Finance Minister Responds to Call for the Establishment of Free Trade Zone at Mirabel Airport

Finance Minister Paul Martin today released a letter in response to comments attributed by the media to the Honourable Serge Ménard, Quebec's minister of the Métropole, concerning the establishment of a free trade zone at Mirabel airport.

The text of the letter is attached.

The Honourable Serge Ménard
Ministre de la Métropole
875 Grand-Allée, Est
85-H
2ième étage, Chambre 2.600
Québec (Québec)
G1R 4Y8

Mr. Ministre:

I am writing concerning comments attributed to you in the press that the federal government should establish a free trade zone at Mirabel airport in order to revitalize the local economy.

I am pleased to inform you that, on December, 5, 1995, Parliament approved Bill C-102, which contained important enhancements to Canada's duty deferral program. These changes allow entrepreneurs, municipalities and regions, such as Mirabel, to develop free trade zones designed to serve export markets. The legislation is designed to be easily merged with local incentives to allow innovative business and regions to attract investment. I have attached, for your information, a copy of a news release, describing

Bill C-102, which was issued when this legislation was introduced in the House of Commons. (The legislation came into effect on January 1, 1996.)

I should point out that no formal approval is required from the federal government for zones of this type. Organizations wishing to establish them do however have to register with Revenue Canada, Customs, Excise and Taxation. I am sure that Revenue Canada officials would be pleased to assist the proponents of the Mirabel project by explaining the administrative requirements and procedures related to the program.

I know that this information will be of interest to you. I have taken the liberty of sending a copy of this letter to my colleague, the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of National Revenue for her information.

Sincerely,

The Honourable Paul Martin, P.C., M.P.

cc: The Honourable Jane Stewart, P.C., M.P., Minister of National Revenue.