Canada and Costa Rica Conclude Fifth Round of Talks to Update Trade Agreement

The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, announced the successful conclusion of a fifth round of negotiations to modernize the Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement. Negotiations took place in Ottawa from August 28 to 31, 2012. “Growing and broadening our trade and investment ties in the Americas are a priority for Canada,” said Minister Fast. “We’re committed to updating our agreement with Costa Rica to provide Canadian businesses with a competitive edge because we know that businesses that expand and succeed abroad create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity at home.”

Harper Government secures new market access to Russia for cattle

Russia has lifted its ban on breeding cattle from British Columbia allowing for immediate exports to the lucrative Russian market, announced today Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. Cattle can now be shipped to Russia from British Columbia for the first time since April 2007. This new market access is estimated to be worth up to $8 million annually for the Canadian cattle industry, representing a potential increase of 30% over 2011, when Canadian exports were worth more than $26 million.

New Agri-Innovators' Committee to Provide Long-term Vision for Agriculture Innovation

In line with the Harper Government's efforts to create jobs, growth and long term prosperity for Canada, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced today the creation of an Agri-Innovators' Committee to provide expert advice on agriculture research and development. The Committee is the first national advisory body to provide advice to the Minister on agricultural innovation. Minister Ritz made the announcement following a two-day meeting with his provincial and territorial colleagues on the next Growing Forward agricultural policy framework. The new framework will increase cost-shared investments by 50% to position the sector for longer-term productivity growth.

Harper Government Invests in Alberta Meat Processor

Canada's Economic Action Plan is helping an Alberta meat processing company expand their operations and increase sales. Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and MP for Calgary East, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, announced an investment to BHJ Canada Meat Products Inc., towards the purchase and installation of new equipment and technology at their facility in Calgary. "Our Government is helping Alberta meat processors become more profitable and competitive because the economy is our number one priority," said MP Obhrai. "This investment will help BHJ Canada Meat Products Inc. expand their operations and increase domestic and export sales, helping to strengthen our economy for the future."