November 23, 2001
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that he will lead Team Canada
West’s inaugural trade mission to Dallas, Texas, and Los Angeles, California,
from November 27 to 30, 2001. The Prime Minister will be accompanied by
premiers from 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.
"Based on GDP, California and Texas rank among the world’s top ten
economies," said Prime Minister Chrétien. "By any standard, these
states are economic powerhouses. This first Team Canada West mission provides us
with an excellent opportunity to help increase trade and create jobs in Canada
while further strengthening our partnership with the United States."
More than 140 organizations are participating in the inaugural Team Canada
West Trade Mission. They represent such sectors as information technology,
energy, aerospace, building products, agriculture and agri-food, biotechnology,
and culture and entertainment. The objectives of the mission are to promote
increased business relations, attract job-creating direct investment, stimulate
partnerships between the two countries and develop further Canada’s successful
relationship with the United States.
Texas and California both count Canada as their second largest trading
partner. Canada’s two-way merchandise trade with California was more than $41
billion and nearly $25 billion with Texas in 2000. There is a vast pool of
untapped trade and investment potential which is just waiting to be developed
through greater interaction between businesses of both countries.
International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew, Natural Resources Minister
Ralph Goodale, Environment Minister David Anderson and Secretary of State
for Western Economic Diversification Ron Duhamel will also represent the
Government of Canada on the trade mission.
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
