Mr. Speaker, today I was pleased to table the fourth annual report on Canada's state of trade, with 2002 marking the eleventh consecutive year of economic growth, the longest and most stable expansion of the post-war era. Canada performed well despite the lacklustre economic performances of most of our major trading partners. Services trade was the bright spot in Canadian exports, registering an increase of $1.6 billion. As we move forward, I am convinced that momentum will pick up and we will approach 2004 with renewed economic and trade confidence.
In the House of Commons on May 8th, 2003. See this statement in context.