The world’s economy is changing dramatically and Canada is not keeping pace. That is the frank assessment of Winning in a Changing World, a timely new report from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University being presented today to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Leader of the Opposition, premiers and the business and academic communities.
Despite recent developments in trade talks with Asia and Europe, the report reflects the broad fear of Canadians that we are failing to seize the moment and are instead allowing world events to dictate our economic path and future prosperity. Canada must instead reach out confidently to significant emerging markets to secure its economic future. Depending almost exclusively on Western economies for future prosperity is not sustainable.
Project co-chairs Derek Burney, Thomas d’Aquino, Len Edwards, and Fen Osler Hampson have delivered 14 urgent recommendations to governments and business leaders designed to build a new national consensus like the one that championed the first Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement and, subsequently, NAFTA. They call for:
- More deliberate trade and investment strategies that harness our comparative advantages with select emerging markets;
- A new, focused partnership among all levels of government and the private sector;
- International agreements that are tailored to the specific opportunities and risks of doing business in different emerging markets, where conventional trade and investment rules are inadequate; and,
- A more predictable and competitive business environment in Canada.
The co-chairs will unveil the findings of the report at a press conference today. Media are invited to attend in person or via teleconference.
When: Tuesday, June 26 at 2 p.m.
Where: National Press Theatre, 150 Wellington Street, Ottawa
Teleconference Call-in: 1-866-500-7930 or 613-244-1308 (Conference ID 9265583#)
For more information, please visit www.securingprosperity.ca.
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For more information:
Chris Cline
Media Relations
Carleton University
613-520-2600, ext. 1391
christopher_cline@carleton.ca
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