Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for  Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism issued this statement today:

“British Columbia commends the Government of Canada on reaching this important milestone for the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). We congratulate all parties to the agreement  on their efforts to reach a mutually beneficial consensus on Canada’s most ambitious trade agreement.

“Next to the North American Free Trade Agreement, CETA is Canada’s most-historic trade initiative. Once CETA is implemented, Canada will be strategically positioned to become one of the few developed countries with preferential access to the world's two largest markets: the  European Union and the United States.

“British Columbia has worked closely with the federal government to ensure B.C.’s interests were reflected in the agreement. We’re confident that, once fully ratified, CETA will benefit all Canadians by providing preferential access to the world’s largest integrated economy.

“Specifically, B.C. exporters will benefit from increased access to this enormous market, including duty-free access for forestry and wood products, as well as new markets for metals and mineral products, agricultural and agrifoods products, fish and seafood.

“By making it easier for trade and investment between Canada and the European Union, the key outcome of this agreement is clear: more jobs and economic opportunities for British Columbians. We thank federal Minister of International Trade Chrystia Freeland and her team for their dedicated efforts to bring this agreement to conclusion and urge the federal government to bring the CETA into force quickly to take advantage of its expected benefits.” 

Learn more about the CETA: http://ow.ly/dpHs305Ix2y​