Mr. Speaker, our government can be justifiably proud of Canada's exceptional performance throughout the year 2000 in the area of international trade and investment.
These are the motive forces behind our economy and prosperity. The figures cannot lie: 319,000 full time jobs were created, taking the unemployment figures to the lowest level since 1974. We also attracted $93 billion in direct foreign investments, which indicates a massive vote of confidence in our economic future.
Canadian trade and investment have attained new record levels in 2000 for the ninth consecutive year of economic growth; this is the longest and most stable period of expansion since the 1960s.
Given all these successes, I believe we can have confidence in the Government of Canada to negotiate international agreements that will serve the interests of all Canadians.