How can Quebec and Ontario strengthen their economies in the face of the current economic downturn in the U.S?
How can Quebec and Ontario work together, with the Canadian government, and in concert with the European Union, to ensure economic success for Canadian businesses?
The Canadian Club of Toronto is pleased to invite as a guest speaker the Hon. Raymond Bachand, Quebec’s Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade. Minister Bachand will discuss the development of what his government refers to as Quebec’s “New economic space”, a framework aimed at strengthening Quebec’s foothold in the global economy by working in partnership with Ontario and the European Union, in particular to achieve trade and labour mobility agreements.
Minister Bachand will outline the need for an agreement between Quebec and Ontario based on the mutual recognition of skilled workers. He will argue that such an agreement will create an integrated economic space and enable the flow of labour between the two provinces, thereby providing the opportunity for Quebecers and Ontarians to take advantage of a larger job market.
Minister Bachand will also discuss the potential of a comprehensive trade and investment agreement between Canada and the European Union, aimed at facilitating access for Canadian companies to a European market representing 500 million consumers. He will also outline the crucial role of the provinces in this dialogue and the importance of business community support.
Hon. Raymond Bachand was elected as Member of the Quebec National Assembly for Outremont in the by-election held on December 12, 2005. Since February 27, 2006, he has served as the Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade. Minister Bachand was reelected in a general election on March 26, 2007.
