Prime Minister addresses Vancouver Board of Trade and hails B.C. as Canada’s “Economic and political powerhouse on the Pacific”

In a speech to the Vancouver Board of Trade today, Prime Minister Stephen Harper discussed  British Columbia’s growing economic and political importance within Canada and noted that the federal Government’s core priorities are in line with B.C.’s priorities.

“No national government has ever had such deep roots in this province,” Prime Minister Harper said. “And it is reflected not only in the composition of our Cabinet, caucus and party – but in the agenda our Government is pursuing to build a better Canada, and the increasing influence British Columbia brings to that process.”

In his address, Prime Minister Harper explained how B.C.’s five federal cabinet Ministers will each be indispensable as the Government works to achieve its five long-term priorities set out in the Speech from the Throne, which passed last month.

International Trade Minister David Emerson, who has responsibility for the Pacific Gateway, is leading new initiatives in trade negotiations and economic growth

Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn oversees the development of clean energy technologies and dealing with challenges in the forestry sector

Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Chuck Strahl leads a number of  initiatives in the North to help protect and strengthen Canada’s sovereignty;

Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day has responsibility for border security and a key role in the Government’s comprehensive anti-crime agenda; and

Secretary of State and Chief Government Whip Jay Hill will play a key role in guiding legislation through Parliament to modernize our federation and its democratic institutions.

Prime Minister Harper made two announcements during the speech. He revealed that the Government of Canada has just signed a bilateral air transport agreement with Singapore that will boost Vancouver’s role as Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway.

He also announced that the Government will reintroduce legislation to increase the number of seats in the House of Commons for fast-growing provinces like B.C.

“Our first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, with the Canadian Pacific Railway, tied British Columbia to Canada,” the Prime Minister said. “Through the Asia-Pacific Gateway, environmental leadership, and long-overdue parliamentary reform, it will be our mission to tie Canada to British Columbia.”