Business leaders welcome new era in Canada-EU trade

OTTAWA, September 26, 2014 - Canada's business leaders welcome the conclusion of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) negotiations. Prime Minister Stephen Harper and European Commission President José Manuel Barroso signed a declaration marking the end of negotiations today in Ottawa. 

Canada has achieved a high-quality agreement that will give Canadian companies and exporters of all sizes access to the world's largest economy. The agreement will boost economic growth and create jobs in virtually every sector of the Canadian economy. 

On the occasion of the signing of the declaration, Canada's leading business associations - representing firms from all sectors and regions of the country - announced the launch of the Coalition for Canada-EU Trade. The coalition represents organizations and individuals who support trade and investment liberalization between Canada and the European Union and are committed to ensuring that the agreement achieves its full potential. 

Together with the North American Free Trade Agreement, CETA will ensure that Canadians enjoy preferential access to the world's two largest economies. In addition, Canadian consumers will benefit from enhanced access to European products and services and increased competition among suppliers. 

The coalition urges Canada and the EU to proceed as quickly as possible to implement the agreement. 

Coalition members:
Canada Europe Roundtable for Business
Canada Agri-Food Trade Alliance
Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters (I.E. Canada)
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Canadian Council of Chief Executives
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
Canadian Intellectual Property Council
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
Canadian Services Coalition
Conseil du patronat du Québec
Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D)

For more information about the Coalition, visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CanEuroTrade or follow us on Twitter @CanEuropeTrade.

For more information:
Sarah Reid
Communications Officer, Canadian Council of Chief Executives
sarah@ceocouncil.ca
613-288-3861