Business Leaders Herald Important Milestone in Canada-Europe Economic Partnership

March 5, 2009

Comments by Thomas d’Aquino, Chief Executive and President of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives (CCCE),  following today’s announcement that Canada and the European Union have agreed on the broad outline of a future comprehensive economic partnership:

“At long last, Canada is poised to realize the immense potential of a closer transatlantic relationship. By encouraging deeper bilateral economic integration, a Canada-European Union partnership would bolster confidence and create important new opportunities for workers, businesses and investors on both sides of the Atlantic. Particularly in today’s troubled economic environment, this is a substantial and welcome breakthrough.”

“Canada’s business leaders congratulate Prime Minister Stephen Harper and International Trade Minister Stockwell Day, and their senior officials, for their vision and dedication to this vital initiative. We strongly encourage Canadian and European officials to seek negotiating mandates and to launch the talks as soon as possible. My colleagues and I are deeply committed to these negotiations and promise to do everything in our power to achieve a successful outcome.”