Conservatives celebrate CETA coming into force

For Immediate ReleaseSeptember 21, 2017Ottawa, ON – Today marks the commencement of a new era between the European Union and Canada with the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) provisionally coming into force.“CETA is a legacy of the Stephen Harper Government, which commenced negotiations of this historic and progressive 21st century gold-standard agreement in 2009. His vision for a globally engaged Canada with new economic opportunities for Canadians now positions Canada for greater prosperity in the 21st Century,” noted Member of Parliament Ed Fast.“In every region across Canada, enterprises will benefit from improved market access to the largest and most affluent consumer market in the world,” explained Mr. Fast. “Free and open markets are the bedrock of a strong and prosperous Canadian economy, and I encourage Canadian companies to take advantage of this golden opportunity to grow their businesses.”Mr. Fast congratulated Chief Negotiator Steve Verheul and his trade negotiation team on a job well done.Between 2006 and 2015, the Harper Government concluded free trade negotiations with 51 countries, and implemented foreign investment protections for Canadian investors with many more. As former Trade Minister, Mr. Fast led many of these negotiations. They were part of an ambitious pro-trade plan focused on new trade and investment ties to allow Canadian enterprises to expand, flourish and become more competitive.-30-For more information:Brad VisOffice of the Hon. Ed FastMember of Parliament for Abbotsford613-995-0183