Trade Agreements Benefit Canadians

I would like to highlight two very important trade agreements our government has recently secured. Let’s start with the Canada-EU Trade Agreement. The European Union is the world’s largest economy, with more than 500 million consumers and a Gross Domestic Product of $17 trillion. The Canada-EU Trade Agreement will result in a 20-percent boost in bilateral trade with Europe and will lead to a $12-billion increase in Canada’s annual income (GDP). What does that mean exactly? That’s the equivalent to creating almost 80,000 new jobs or increasing the average Canadian household’s annual income by $1,000.

The other recent trade pact is the Canada-South Korea Free Trade Agreement. The added significance of this trade deal is the fact that it is Canada’s first bilateral trade deal with Asia. It’s estimated this trade pact will increase Canadian exports to Korea by 32 percent which means our economy will grow by an additional $1.7 billion. That means jobs and economic growth for Canada. It also gives Canada the opportunity to pursue more trade deals with Asia as a whole.

Bill C-18, the Agricultural Growth Act

Fresh into a new session of Parliament, Bill C-18, the Agricultural Growth Act will be a focus for the Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee, which I am honoured to Chair. This comprehensive act proposes changes to nine pieces of federal legislation – seven under the oversight of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and two under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. These changes will help reduce red tape, create new trade opportunities and attract investment. I will keep you updated as we finalize this very important piece of legislation.

Honouring our WWII Veterans in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex

As a government and country, we would like to show recognition and appreciation to our living Canadian Veterans of the Second World War by presenting them with a limited-edition commemorative lapel pin and a personalized certificate of recognition. This national tribute marks the 75th anniversary of Canada’s engagement in the Second World War and the extraordinary role Canadians played in the Allied victory. I want to make sure that no Veteran of World War II from Lambton-Kent-Middlesex is left out, so I have request forms in my constituency offices in Strathroy and Wallaceburg. If you can’t make it in, just call my Strathroy office at 519-245-6561 or toll free 1-800-586-4614.

Troy’s Run Wins National Award

I give a lot of thanks and appreciation to Troy Adams from Forest! Troy suffered a brain injury in a car accident. He is well known to many in this area for running across Canada last year to raise awareness of brain injuries. The Brain Injury Association of Canada has just presented Troy with their Prevention and Awareness Award for his incredible work and I was fortunate enough to be at the ceremony as he received his award. Congratulations Troy!

With Troy and Amy Adams at the Brain Injury Association of Canada’s annual conference.

Did You Know?

-It’s estimated that there are about 80,000 Second World War Veterans alive today across Canada.
-Canada’s contribution to the Second World War was disproportionately large. Our population was only 11 million in 1939, but between 1939 and 1945, more than one million Canadians and Newfoundlanders served.
-The commemorative pin and the illustration on the certificate that will be issued to Canadian Veterans of the Second World War is based on the original “Victory Nickel” that was in circulation from 1943 and 1945. The coin was re-issued in 2005 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

Until next time,

Bev Shipley, M.P., Lambton-Kent-Middlesex