Mr. Speaker, in 13 years the previous Liberal government did little on trade and allowed Canada to fall behind.
Our government has delivered by concluding free trade negotiations with the four countries of the European Free Trade Association.
This is Canada's first free trade association in six years. The previous Liberal government negotiated for nine years but failed to get an agreement. Under Conservative leadership, Canada has secured a deal.
This is also Canada's first free trade agreement with European countries and represents an important step in strengthening commercial ties with the European Union. This follows a successful trip by the Prime Minister at the EU summit, where he announced Canada and the EU will look at closer economic integration.
Our government is also committed to closer ties with Latin America. Our new free trade negotiations with Colombia, Peru and the Dominican Republic will help strengthen our competitive position in the Americas.
Thanks to the leadership of our government, Canada is back in the game.