On Parliament Hill

Last week, Prime Minister Stephen Harper concluded a successful visit to Munich and Berlin, Germany, where he met with Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, Joachim Gauck, President of Germany, and Horst Seehofer, Premier of Bavaria.

In Munich, the Prime Minister – along with Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade – met with members of the Bavarian Business Association to promote trade and investment relations between Canada and Germany. They also met with a number of Canadian and German investors and companies who will be in a position to take full advantage of the many benefits of the Canada-EU Trade Agreement.

While in Berlin, the Prime Minister and the Chancellor discussed a range of issues, including how to maximize the commercial benefits that will arise from the Canada-EU Trade Agreement. They also discussed global economic issues, including timely international and security issues.

Earlier in March, Prime Minister Harper visited Ukraine where he met with Acting President Oleksandr Turchynov and Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, and reaffirmed Canada’s strong support for the new Government of Ukraine. We are encouraged that this new leadership is undertaking the important steps of embracing the economic and democratic reforms needed to restore stability and prosperity in the country. The Prime Minister also condemned Russia’s illegal military occupation of Ukraine and reiterated the call for immediate de-escalation by Russia.

In January, Prime Minister Harper made a historic trip to Israel and he delivered on our Conservative Government’s commitment to supporting our friend and ally. He reiterated Canada’s principled position to support Israel’s right to exist and defend itself, a position that is based on our convictions and values. Despite daily attacks on these rights, Israel is an extraordinary nation built on freedom, democracy, justice and innovation. It is the only country in the Middle East that has allowed human rights, political stability and economic prosperity to flourish.

The significance of this trip is furthered by the fact that it is the first visit to Israel by a Canadian Prime Minister since 2000 and more significantly, the first time a Canadian Prime Minister has been given the opportunity to address Israel’s Knesset.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper also recently announced that Canada and the Republic of Korea have concluded negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement that will significantly boost trade and investment ties.

This Free Trade Agreement, Canada’s first with an Asian market, will create thousands of new jobs in Canada and provide Canadian businesses and workers with a gateway to Asia. Since South Korea is already Manitoba’s 6th largest export market, this will only increase market access to sectors such as agriculture.

As we strengthen ties and promote economic prosperity, Canada is positioned to lead on the world’s stage and promote Canadian values. Our Conservative Government continues to deliver on the priorities of Canadians.