Evidence of meeting #11 for International Trade in the 41st Parliament, 2nd session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was canola.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rob Merrifield
Very good. Our time has gone.
I just have one quick question for Mr. Darch. On the amount of private sector dollars looking to invest internationally in Europe, do you have a number?
President, Consider Canada City Alliance
We don't have a number, but I must admit that when I went to Europe, my belief was that to a large degree their economy was down and there were significant problems there.
I found it quite different. There is a considerable amount of money. There's a considerable amount of money to invest. I think there is a lot of opportunity there. I know Ottawa saw opportunity. Yesterday, I talked to our chair, Bruce Graham, from Calgary Economic Development, and they're changing their view of Europe. From their point of view, there is a belief that there's a significant amount of money there that is looking to invest. Europe is not the place to invest right at the moment. In most of the other countries that are being looked at, such as those in Asia and Africa, the risk is considerably higher. For just the reasons some people have mentioned—the stability of Canada, our low taxes, etc.—I think we're in an excellent position right at the moment to take advantage of both our conditions and the money that is out there to invest.
Conservative
Board Member, President and Chief Executive Officer, Invest Ottawa, Consider Canada City Alliance
I'd like to add, Mr. Chairman, if I may, that we're not waiting two years. What's happening right now is that we're starting this process. We're making investments now under existing rules.
December 5th, 2013 / 10:45 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rob Merrifield
Perfect.
Thank you very much. Our time is gone.
The meeting is adjourned.