Deeper trade with the European Union will bring good jobs, growth and long-term prosperity to the people in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, says MP Bev Shipley.

November 4, 2013- Bev Shipley, Member of Parliament for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex today highlighted the benefits that a potential trade agreement with the European Union will bring to every region of the country, including jobs, growth and long-term prosperity to the people of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.

“An ambitious agreement with the EU will be a big win for workers, businesses and families right here in our riding,”said Bev. “Throughout the province, individuals will benefit, especially in key sectors of the local economy such as agriculture, automotive manufacturing and food processing.”

Bev welcomed International Trade Minister Ed Fast to Lambton-Kent-Middlesex last Wednesday where he toured Armo Tool on Longwoods Road, a family-owned and operated business specializing in precision tooling solutions. Since opening in 1969, Armo Tool has grown to over 100 employees and the company hopes the new CETA agreement will allow them to expand exports. Fast told staff and stakeholders at the gathering “more than 60 percent of Canada’s annual income (gross domestic product) and the jobs of one in five Canadians are generated by trade. That is why our government is undertaking the most ambitious trade expansion plan in Canadian history, which includes a comprehensive next-generation trade agreement with the European Union expected to bring a 20-percent boost in bilateral trade and a $12-billion annual increase to Canada’s economy. That translates to an increase of $1,000 to the average Canadian family’s income, or 80,000 new jobs.”

Bev wanted to be pro-active in dealing with any potential concerns some members of the agriculture community might have, so he met with dairy producers from across Lambton-Kent-Middlesex in Strathroy October 25th. About 55 producers were on hand to share their concerns and learn more about CETA and Bev thanks them all for taking the time to attend.

The EU is Canada’s second-largest trading partner and the world’s largest integrated economy, with more than 500 million consumers and a GDP of over $17 trillion. The trade negotiations with the EU represent Canada’s most significant trade initiative since the historic North American Free Trade Agreement.