
Français		Home		Contact Us		Help		Search		canada.gc.ca		Canada International

Home > Media Room

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

Canadian Offices Abroad

Services for Canadian Travellers

Services for Business

Canada in the World

About the Department

SPEECHES

2007 - 2006 - 2005 - 2004 - 2003 - 2002 - 2001 - 2000 - 1999 - 1998 - 1997 - 1996

Print friendly version - Printing Tips

<html> <head> <meta name="Generator" content="Corel WordPerfect 8"> <meta name="DATE" content="9/24/1997"> <meta name="Author" content="Martha McLean"> <title>MR. MARCHI - ADDRESS ON THE OCCASION OFTHE DEBATE ONTHE SPEECH FROM THE THRONE - OTTAWA, ONTARIO</title> </head> <body text="#000000" link="#0000ff" vlink="#551a8b" alink="#ff0000" bgcolor="#c0c0c0"> 97/35 CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY NOTES FOR AN ADDRESS BY THE HONOURABLE SERGIO MARCHI MINISTER FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE ON THE OCCASION OF THE DEBATE ON THE SPEECH FROM THE THRONE OTTAWA, Ontario September 25, 1997 This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take part in this debate on the Speech from the Throne. Our government has presented a comprehensive agenda, one that speaks to the basic values of Canadians -- ensuring opportunity for all members of society and all parts of the country; creating jobs, especially for our young; ensuring universal quality health care; providing every child with a fair chance in life; and maintaining a united country that is able to fulfil these values. As the Speech from the Throne outlined, Canada's ability to trade with, and draw investment from, all parts of the world is essential to that agenda. With regard to international trade, the Speech from the Throne addressed four key elements. The first outlines the important role trade plays in the economic life of Canada. Most important, it is crucial to jobs. One in three jobs in Canada is directly tied to trade, and 40 per cent of our gross domestic product is generated by exports. Canada's sales abroad come to more than a quarter of a trillion dollars. And every billion-dollar increase in trade creates or sustains 11 000 jobs. The advantages of trade spread to every part of our economy and touch every Canadian -- whether it be a farmer growing wheat or an engineer designing tractors; a factory worker producing aircraft or a supplier providing aircraft parts. We are all touched by trade, and we all share in its benefits. Around the world, barriers are falling down, markets are opening up, and opportunities are being created that were unimaginable just a few short years ago. Secondly, the Speech from the Throne underscores that to take full advantage of our opportunities, we must expand our trade base. To do so, governments must work better and smarter, and forge closer partnerships with our business community. But expansion means that small business must play a greater role in global trade. They must become a more integral part of our global trade strategy. Currently, only 10 per cent of Canada's small and medium-sized businesses export. While Canada is an exporting nation, we have not been a nation of exporters. Fifty corporations account for 50 per cent of our exports. Our goal is to double the number of companies exporting by the year 2000. And to be successful in that goal, it will mean harnessing the energy and talent of women entrepreneurs. One third of Canadian firms are now owned or operated by women -- firms that are providing jobs for nearly two million Canadians. Moreover, women CEOs are creating jobs at a rate nearly four times the national average. This is a track record we cannot ignore because it is creating benefits we cannot forego. That is why in November, I will be leading the first Canadian Businesswomen's International Trade Mission to Washington, D.C. We expect more than 100 women entrepreneurs and executives will join us in exploring the lucrative $11 billion mid-Atlantic market. This mission will include new entries to the export field and experienced exporters who will perform a mentoring role. The cultural and educational community must be part of the team, marketing products that generate wealth and jobs -- and that bolster Canada's image in the world and Canadians' pride in themselves. Mr. Speaker, utilizing the capacity of our modern economy, and the diversity and strength of our citizens, the entire world must be our market. We are building on our transatlantic heritage to Europe, and our close links with the United States. We are a Pacific nation as well; and our view of the Americas does not stop at the Rio Grande. Canadians have links to every part of the world. People trade with countries they feel most comfortable with, in languages they speak and in cultures they understand. That is one of Canada's biggest advantages -- no part of the world is alien to us. Mr. Speaker, more than anything else, the Team Canada missions have demonstrated these strengths and are broadening the spectrum of Canadians involved in global trade. Large as well as small and medium-sized businesses, women, Canadians of all origins, provinces, municipalities, and educational institutions are all part of the team -- giving Canadians a stake in every part of the world, and every part of the world a stake in Canada. I am confident that the next Team Canada voyage to Latin America in January will continue this winning tradition and will promote the formula that Canada works best when Canada works together. The third point raised by the Speech from the Throne is that we must devote the same kind of effort to attracting investment as we do to stimulating trade. Direct foreign investment in Canada increased by 8 per cent last year, reaching $180 billion. Investment provides Canadians with capital and R&D [research and development]. As well, strategic investment alliances help small and medium-sized firms cross the threshold from regional producer to global exporter. Ultimately investment generates jobs. Every billion dollars' worth of investment creates or sustains 45 000 jobs over a five-year period. At the same time, the Multilateral Agreement on Investment we are negotiating will provide us with a secure and stable framework of rules for Canadians investing abroad. To promote more investment in Canada, we must be more aggressive in promoting Canada to the world. The world is growing ever more competitive every day. As more countries industrialize, we cannot assume that our share of global investment will remain constant. That is why it is a priority for me to put forward the case for Canada -- and to remind people that the country that the UN found to be the best place to live is also a great place to work and invest. Finally, the Speech from the Throne emphasizes the leadership role that Canada plays, and must continue to play in liberalizing trade around the globe. Freer trade has been positive for Canada. Over the past few years, our export figures have increased exponentially. It is no accident that Canada is expected to record the highest growth rate and job creation rate of all G-7 nations in both 1997 and 1998. We can attract investment and promote trade so long as we are dealing in a transparent rules-based system of law. That ensures nations like ours the opportunity of equal treatment with larger trading partners. Rules are the equalizer -- and that is why Canada must help write the rules. Whether it is the successful Canada-U.S. trade relationship, the largest the world knows, or whether it is helping set the agenda of the World Trade Organization, this rules-based system has allowed us to reduce barriers to trade while promoting our vital interests. We are helping to draw closer together the countries of Asia Pacific, a region that includes the world's fastest growing economies. Last year, the Prime Minister signed an Action Plan with the European Union that speaks to a strong and dynamic future, rather than simply resting on past glories. Canada is also championing the Free Trade Area of the Americas, and is seeking a closer relationship with Mercosur. Three years ago in Miami the concept of the Free Trade Area of the Americas seemed a distant dream. Three weeks ago in Brazil, I became more confident than ever that a hemispheric trade agreement is closer to reality. It is absolutely vital that Canada continues to look outward. If the world moves without you -- and make no mistake, the global march is on -- who gets left behind? The world has experienced protectionism, and suffered through its consequences. The protectionist rage, which snapped a golden age of trade in the United States in the 1930s, turned a severe recession into the Great Depression. The world learned from this dark lesson, leading to Bretton Woods and the creation of an international rules-based trading system. Canadians know we cannot build a fortress and lock ourselves inside. Neither is our goal freer trade at any cost. We must always preserve and promote the values and traditions Canadians hold dear. Mr. Speaker, trade and investment are simply not a matter of crunching numbers and posting figures. Trade's bottom line is people. And their bottom line is jobs, it is the revenue we need to maintain our quality, universal health system. It is the national wealth we need to secure a good start for all Canadian children, to provide opportunities for Canadians in all parts of our country. Canada has rare strengths and enormous potential. We are confident and competitive. In the world of global trade and investment, Canada has come of age. Thank you. </body> </html>

2007 - 2006 - 2005 - 2004 - 2003 - 2002 - 2001 - 2000 - 1999 - 1998 - 1997 - 1996

Print friendly version - Printing Tips



Last Updated: 2006-10-30	Top of Page	Important Notices