Ed Fast

[International Trade, December 8th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I reject the premise of that question. However, it is really sad that the leader of the NDP was in France, undermining our job creating trade agreement with Europe.

As reported by Le Devoir, the NDP leader said “Europe must not be bound by this agreement”. This statement comes just weeks after the NDP voted against the Canada-EU trade agreement.

Canadians from coast to coast to coast are supportive of this agreement because they understand that increased trade creates jobs. Despite all the smoke and mirrors, the NDP remains fundamentally opposed to trade and investment.

[International Trade, December 4th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the House that Canada is a secure, responsible and reliable source of energy that can make a growing contribution to global energy security.

We know that fuel quality directive is counter to Canada's interests. We believe it is not based on science. We continue to encourage the European Union to follow a science to ensure that Canada's trade interests are not unfairly impaired.

[Questions on the Order Paper, December 1st, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, with regard to (a), provinces and territories will continue to be important partners in implementing the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, CETA. Since some areas of the agreement fall in the jurisdiction of provinces and territories, they may have to make consequential changes to their policy and regulatory frameworks, as required. Officials are working closely with all provinces and territories to bring this historic agreement into force, so that Canadians in all regions of the country can reap its vast benefits at the earliest opportunity.

With regard to (b), last October Canada, announced that it had reached an agreement in principle on a historic free trade agreement with the European Union.The agreement was overwhelmingly supported by stakeholders representing hard-working Canadians and business people from coast to coast to coast and was unanimously supported by all provinces and territories. The Government of Canada continues to work collaboratively with provinces and territories. This approach has ensured that CETA serves the interests of all provinces and territories, as well as the broader interests of the Canadian economy.

With regard to (c), the federal government is currently working closely with all provinces and territories to bring this historic agreement into force, so that Canadians in all regions of the country can reap its vast benefits at the earliest opportunity.

With regard to (d), following the completion of negotiations on August 5, 2014, Canada and the EU are now proceeding with a thorough legal review of the text to ensure accuracy and consistency. This will be followed by translation of the text into the other 22 EU treaty languages. Following that, the process required to approve the agreement in Canada and the EU, along with the steps necessary to bring policies, regulations, and legislation into conformity with the obligations under CETA, will begin.The overall process, starting from the conclusion of the negotiations through the legal review, translation, and approvals is expected to take approximately two years. It is expected that any legislative changes the provinces and territories must undertake will be completed by the time CETA comes into force.

With regard to (e), in addition to any legislative and regulatory changes that provinces and territories must undertake, the federal government must also take legislative action to enable CETA to be brought into force. Free trade agreements include commitments to reduce tariffs and other changes, which require implementing legislation. Once the legislation receives royal assent, it becomes law.

The European Union must also undergo its own implementation process.

[International Trade, November 27th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I can assure the member that all trade that takes place within Canada and with its trading partners takes place in accordance with Canadian law, as well as international law. We stand up for the protection of endangered species.

I will go right back to the NDP members. They are talking about trade. This is the party that is ideologically opposed to trade, that has opposed almost every single trade initiative that this government has brought forward.

It is time for the NDP members to stand up in this House and understand and articulate a clear support for Canada's trade and investment objectives all around the world.

[International Trade, November 27th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I would be glad to take that member's question under advisement. Our government has been very clear that we stand against the trade in endangered species.

However, it also allows me to point out the hypocrisy of the NDP. This is a party that stands in this House, day after day, attacking our efforts to expand legitimate trade around the world, which would open up new markets for Canadians, open up new markets for Canadian investors.

On this side of the aisle, we stand up for Canadians, we stand up for Canadian companies, and we stand up for Canada's interest.

[International Trade, November 27th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I can assure you that our government is committed to supporting efforts to build a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Ukraine. Ukraine is a priority market for Canada under Canada's global markets action plan. In fact, this past July, I led a trade mission to Ukraine.

When I compare our record on trade to that of the Liberal Party, I see that over 13 long years, it was able to sign only three trade agreements; this government, over a short eight years, has signed free trade agreements with a total of 38 different countries, and there are many more to come.

[International Trade, November 26th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House that the Canada–Korea free trade agreement passed third reading in the Senate. Canadian companies will soon have preferential access to South Korea, which will become a strategic gateway for Canadian businesses into Asia. This agreement will increase Canadian exports to South Korea by 32% and boost our economy by almost $2 billion annually. Exporters from across our country asked us to support them as they compete in the global marketplace, and once again we are delivering.

[International Trade, November 26th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I will repeat that we are deeply concerned about attempts to apply buy-American policies here in Canada. This is another example of how illogical, how counterproductive, these kinds of policies are.

I would also point out the appalling Liberal record on trade and promoting Canada's trade interests. For 13 long, dark years, they failed Canadians: 3 trade agreements over 13 years. This government, over 8 short years, has 38 new trade agreements. We are very proud of that record.

[International Trade, November 26th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I repeat, we are deeply concerned about this situation. We are weighing our options and we will respond appropriately.

However, it is odd to hear that question come from the NDP. It was the NDP member for Burnaby—New Westminster who, in 2009, called Buy America a perfectly logical policy. I repeat, the member for Burnaby—New Westminster said that Buy America was a perfectly logical policy.

On this side of the floor, we believe that Buy America is an illogical policy. We will continue to stand up for Canadians.

[International Trade, November 26th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, we are deeply concerned by this attempt to apply Buy America restrictions to a project at the port of Prince Rupert.

This is another example of how illogical and counterproductive it is to try to segregate our highly integrated economies. We have consistently opposed, and will continue to oppose, protectionist measures such as the Buy America restrictions.

We are exploring all options to address this absurd situation.