Harper Government Helps World Savour Canadian Agriculture

Harper Government Gets More Access for Canadian Cattle

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway Ed Fast announced that Canadian breeding cattle now have market access to Libya. This newly re-opened market is estimated by industry to be worth up to $3 million.  "Market by market, the Harper Government is making sure Canadian producers can continue to make their money from the marketplace," said Minister Ritz. "By creating trade opportunities in countries where there are demands for our world-class breeding cattle we are helping cattle producers increase their bottom line, create more jobs and economic growth for Canada."

Harper Government Announces Latest Milestone in Pro-trade Plan to Open New Markets for Canadian Exports

The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today announced that the Canada-Jordan Free Trade Agreement will come into force on October 1, 2012, the latest example of the Harper government opening new markets and creating new competitive advantages around the world for Canadian exporters. Minister Fast made the announcement alongside Nasser Judeh, Jordan’s Foreign Minister, who is visiting Canada.

Harper Government highlights Growing Forward 2's Innovation and Growth Agenda

This week, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and other members of Parliament will fan out across Canada making Growing Forward announcements that will highlight the benefits of Canada's new agricultural policy framework, Growing Forward 2. Growing Forward 2 is set to capitalize on the gains made under its predecessor by doubling its cost-shared funding for strategic initiatives including innovation, competitiveness, and market development. "Growing Forward 2, like its predecessor, will keep Canadian farmers and processors on the right track—a track of growth and prosperity," said Minister Ritz. "Research, innovation, and market development will continue to be hallmarks of Growing Forward 2 so that industry is well positioned to respond to challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the future." In addition to ongoing generous multi-year funding for business risk management programs, Growing Forward 2 will see federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) governments investing $3 billion in strategic initiatives for innovation, competitiveness, and market development.

Canada Formally Joins Trans-Pacific Partnership

The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, regional minister for British Columbia, on behalf of the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, who is leading a trade mission to the Middle East, today announced that Canada has formally joined the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade negotiations. “Canada is pleased to be formally joining the TPP negotiations,” said Minister Fast. “Joining the TPP is good news for hard-working Canadian families. Opening new markets and increasing Canadian exports to fast-growing markets throughout the Asia-Pacific region is a key part of our government’s plan to create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. We look forward to helping develop a 21st-century agreement that advances Canadian interests.”