Statement by Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau on CETA

October 18, 2013

OTTAWA– The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, made the following statement today on the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) established in principle between Canada and the European Union:

“The Liberal Party of Canada supports free trade, as this is how we open markets to Canadian goods and services, grow export-oriented businesses, create jobs and provide choice and lower prices to Canadian consumers.

“We are broadly supportive of CETA, though we have yet to see its details, as this is only an agreement in principle. However, CETA stands to remove trade barriers, widely expand free trade between Canada and the European Union, and increase opportunity for the middle class.

“Canadians from all political parties, all orders of government and the public service have played major roles in this achievement. We congratulate them on their hard work.

“There will no doubt be debate in many quarters during CETA’s ratification process. This is appropriate in a democratic society. More importantly, the Prime Minister has a responsibility to lead the discussion in a positive and generous manner across the country. We look forward to positively engaging in this debate.”