Premier Christy Clark and Minister of International Trade Teresa Wat have made the following joint statement on Canada signing the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement:

“The signing of this agreement represents an important step forward toward ratification of an agreement that would greatly benefit British Columbia.

“On behalf of the Government of British Columbia, we want to extend our congratulations to the Government of Canada for signing the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement and we encourage the federal government to ratify this agreement.

“The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement will benefit B.C. by increasing bilateral trade between North America and other Trans-Pacific Partnership markets, which supports economic growth and creates jobs right here at home.

“Canada does not currently have free trade agreements with many Trans-Pacific Partnership-member countries, so this agreement would provide unprecedented access to key BC Jobs Plan markets. For example, we want to expand trade with Southeast Asia, and this agreement would give us improved access to countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam and Vietnam.

“To be left out of a trade deal of this magnitude, especially if the United States signs on, would make B.C. far less competitive in Trans-Pacific Partnership markets, which currently represent 64% of B.C’s international exports.

“We look forward to working with the federal government throughout the ratification process. By making it easier for trade and investment between Canada and Trans-Pacific Partnership member countries, the key outcome of the agreement is clear: more jobs and economic opportunities for British Columbians.”