OREANDA-NEWS. August 25, 2016. As part of Canada’s commitment to grow the middle class by implementing the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of International Trade, today announced that the Honourable Pierre Pettigrew, P.C., will take on the role of CETA Envoy.

The creation of the role of CETA Envoy reflects the high priority Canada places on signing CETA this year and implementing the agreement with its EU partners next year. The Envoy will be integral in advocating for the timely implementation of CETA.

Mr. Pettigrew will engage with a range of partners in both Canada and Europe, including with the provinces and territories, and with senior business and government leaders from EU member states.

The work of the CETA Envoy is part of the International Trade Minister’s coordinated advocacy for CETA. Minister Freeland regularly meets with her European counterparts, including European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstr?m, and recently met with representatives of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom in Europe and on the margins of July’s G20 Trade Ministers Meeting in China.

Minister Freeland will discuss CETA at two upcoming events. On September 19, Minister Freeland will address the party conference of Germany’s Social Democratic Party in Wolfsburg, Germany. Minister Freeland will also speak about CETA with all the EU trade ministers on September 22 in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Quotes

“Mr. Pettigrew’s deep understanding of Europe, trade and business will be instrumental in getting CETA signed this year and ratified in 2017. He brings with him a lifetime of international experience and a profound dedication to public service. From the day we were sworn in, our government has worked tirelessly to support CETA ratification in Europe.”

- The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of International Trade

“Trade means more growth, and more growth means more jobs for our middle class. Our progressive approach to trade got this deal back on track after it was stalled. Since then, the Prime Minister and ministers across government have joined me in actively engaging key European leaders on the value of this agreement.”

- The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of International Trade

“The Canada-European Union agreement sets a new global standard for trade deals and positions Canada as a trail-blazing country defining new international norms. CETA will generate economic opportunities and I am eager to help move this deal forward for Canada.”

- The Honourable Pierre Pettigrew, P.C., Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Envoy

Quick facts

  • The work of the Envoy will be supported by Global Affairs Canada.
  • Mr. Pettigrew will take on the role for one year, effective immediately. The CETA Envoy is a volunteer position.
  • The Government of Canada’s representatives are very active on the CETA file. The Minister of International Trade herself traveled four times to Europe to promote CETA. She also had bilateral meetings with several of her European counterparts at four international summits.