Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents in Don Valley East, I look forward to welcoming the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on his first trip to Canada. As a Canadian of Indian origin, I am thrilled to see this important visit happen.
This is an example of the ever-expanding ties between our great countries. Canada and India are negotiating a free trade deal that will create jobs, grow our economy and create long-term prosperity. Right now, trade between Canada and India is expected to be valued at $15 billion by year's end. With this visit, we expect that our trade will continue to expand.
Canada and India have long-standing bilateral ties built upon shared values of democracy, pluralism and strong people-to-people links.
I am sure that Prime Minister Modi's visit will be successful and that the relationship between Canada and India will continue to be strengthened.