Minister Responds to Inaccuracies on CETA Negotiations

Newfoundland and Labrador remains focused on negotiations between Canada and the European Union for a new Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). A critical focus is to protect resources for the people of the province and maximize economic benefit for Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Our priority has always been to negotiate a new economic partnership agreement which provides enhanced trade and investment opportunities in the best interests of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “Publicized comments by a member of the Third Party on the CETA negotiations are concerning. CETA negotiations are ongoing and it is irresponsible for the Third Party to make statements about the process that are inaccurate and present misguided information to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The Provincial Government is focused on maximizing the net economic benefits of the province’s resources for the benefit of the people of the province. Through the negotiation process, the Provincial Government has committed to ensuring that the best interests of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are represented and that a final agreement would enhance market access and generate new industrial activity, support employment and prosperity throughout the province.

“Newfoundland and Labrador has a thriving economy with foreign expenditures totaling $3.6 billion in 2011, and our government continues efforts to support local businesses compete and diversify into international markets,” said Minister Hutchings. “We are seeing growth across numerous sectors, including small-and-medium sized businesses in technology, manufacturing and mining. Our history of trading our commodities in the world market drives economic activity, and creates employment. We are listening to our industry partners and working with them to ensure we are representing their needs at the CETA negotiations and we will continue to explore investment opportunities that highlight Newfoundland and Labrador in the global market place.”

Discussions on a new economic partnership agreement between Canada and the European Union were launched in May 2009. Issues under discussion include procurement, intellectual property, investment, services including financial services, and tariffs on goods including fish.

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Media contact:
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 697-4137
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca 

2013 06 11                                        12:45 p.m.