! ! F I R ! September 26, 2014 ! OR MMEDIATE ! ELEASE On the occasion of the signing of the Canada – European Union (EU) Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, the Partnership for Resource Trade reaffirms its strong support for the economic partnership between Canada and the 28 members states of the EU. ! Jean Charest, chair of the Partnership, joins industry leaders in welcoming Canada’s signing of the agreement. ! “The history of Canada since pre-confederation is a history of a great trading nation. Trade agreements like this one are important in setting the stage for our country’s growth, as were the Canada – US Free Trade Agreement and the Auto Pact in their time,” said Jean Charest who was a member of the Mulroney government that brought about the Canada – US Free Trade Agreement and has been one of the earliest proponents of the Canada-EU Agreement. ! “There are those who argue that inward looking protectionism is a path to prosperity. But again and again, we see evidence that trade liberalization is a sure way to achieve our goals, both economic and social. ! “Thirty years from now, our children and grand children will thank us for the foresight and courage of implementing Agreements like these,” said Martha Hall Findlay, Chair of the Partnership’s Advisory Council. The former MP and Liberal leadership candidate has written and spoken extensively on economic and trade issues. ! The Partnership for Resource Trade strongly supports strengthening relationships between trading nations to the benefit of all Canadians, and applauds the governments involved in the Canada – EU CETA for successfully concluding this comprehensive agreement. ! Background The Partnership for Resource Trade seeks to engage Canadians in an important national discussion about the key role that natural resources play in the success of our country (www.powerofcanada.ca). - 30 - Media enquiries: [email protected] ! !