July 5, 2001
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien announced today that he will lead the first
Team Canada West trade mission to Dallas, Texas and Los Angeles, California from
November 27-30, 2001. On this occasion, the Prime Minister, the Premiers of the
four Western Provinces – British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell, Alberta
Premier Ralph Klein, Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert, and Manitoba Premier
Gary Doer – as well as the three Territorial leaders – Pat Duncan of Yukon,
Stephen Kakfwi of the Northwest Territories and Paul Okalik of Nunavut – will
lead a delegation of Western Canadian companies.
"I am extremely pleased to lead this first Team Canada West trade
mission. It represents a new step in our export development strategy, and I am
confident that it will mark the beginning of a very successful
partnership," said the Prime Minister. "Texas and California offer
tremendous opportunities for Western Canadian businesses. Canada currently ranks
as California’s 3rd largest trading partner, and Texas is now the
U.S.’ 2nd most populous state, with Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston
being two of the fastest growing urban regions in the U.S. Developing our
commercial relationship with these states will provide all Canadians with
invaluable benefits."
Building on the proven successful Team Canada formula, this mission will
extend the concept to the Western provinces. The mission will provide a vehicle
for Western firms to capitalize on the important Canada-U.S. business
relationship; reinforce initiatives on behalf of Canadian firms in sectors such
as energy development, agriculture and agrifood, education and culture, and
present a high tech image of Canada in major technology centres. The mission
will also focus on attracting job-creating direct investment projects,
stimulating business alliances and science and technology partnerships between
the two countries.
Canada’s two-way trade with California and Texas reached $63.4 billion in
2000. This figure is greater than Canada’s entire trading relationship with
the European Union. Western Canada’s two-way trade with California and Texas
reached $17 billion in 2000.
- 30 -
PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
