(Prime Minister Justin Trudeau): President Tajani, distinguished
Parliamentarians, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. It is a privilege for me to be here
today. This marks the first address to the European Parliament by a sitting Canadian
prime minister, so I would like to sincerely thank you for this honour. As you know, I
was in Brussels a few months ago to formally sign the Comprehensive Economic and Trade
Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement. President Tusk, President Juncker, Prime Minister
Fico and I took an important step toward deepening our relationship and expanding free and progressive
trade between Canada and the European Union. Yesterday, we took a huge step.
This year we celebrate 41 years since the diplomatic mission of the European Commission
was established in Ottawa, which noticeably happened under a different Prime Minister
Trudeau. The more things change….
And over the course of our historic partnership, Canada and the EU have stood side by side
on the things that matter, things like maintaining global security, advancing the values of peace
and justice, creating good jobs for our people through trade and investment. We’ve worked
together on climate change, and on the rights of women and girls around the world. And my
friends, I am confident that we will achieve tremendous things together in the years to
come for the countries we represent and most importantly for the people we serve.
The European Union is a truly remarkable achievement and an unprecedented model for peaceful cooperation.
Canada knows that an effective European voice on the global stage isn’t just preferable,
it’s essential. We know that the EU is the world’s largest donor of development and
humanitarian assistance and that together your member states constitute one of the world’s
largest economies. You are a vital player in addressing the challenges that we collectively
face as an international community. Indeed, the whole world benefits from a strong EU.
(Applause)
On behalf of Canadians, thank you for this
continued and respectful relationship, rooted in our culture, our history and our friendship.
In fact, the relationship between Canada and the European Union has become a model of international
collaboration. I would like to thank Dan Costello, Canada’s current ambassador to the European
Union, for his excellent service to our country. I must also thank and highlight the extraordinary
work of our chief negotiator for this historic agreement, Steve Verheul, for his exceptional
service, his hard work every step of the way, throughout all the years it took. Thank you.
I must also announce the appointment of our new senior spokesperson for the European continent,
our new ambassador to the European Union, and to Laragne, the Honourable Stéphane Dion.
Stéphane, a close friend and mentor, is a man who has long fought to create a better
country for all Canadians. He will proudly represent Canada with courage and conviction
as we embark on this next important chapter together.
Now, let me reiterate what a tremendous honour it is for me to represent Canada in this historic
chamber today. Coming to Strasbourg and addressing you was a priority for me because I appreciate
the value of our relationship, and what we share.
I believe that the relationship between Canada and the EU is so resilient because it is centred
on an important bedrock of common values; values that shape and define us, values that
Canadians and Europeans share. You see, collectively we believe in democracy, transparency and
the rule of law. We believe in human rights and we believe in inclusion and in diversity.
We know that in these times we must choose to lead the international economy, not simply
be subject to its whims. And we know that the state has an important role to play, not
only in supporting its people, but also in creating the conditions for progress. And
to this last point, we have just demonstrated to the world that we collectively value trade
and the promise of prosperity for all our citizens that comes with it.
Yesterday, in addition to ratifying the Strategic Partnership Agreement, this Parliament voted
to ratify the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. After years of negotiations, this
important trade agreement has reached the finish line, and I think we can all agree
that CETA was an extremely ambitious undertaking and will also prove to be one our biggest
successes. I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to Canada’s former Minister of
International Trade -- now Minister of Foreign Affairs -- Chrystia Freeland. And once again,
our chief negotiator, Steve Verheul, and his EU counterparts for their tireless efforts
in reaching this agreement. And I’m confident that our new Minister of International Trade,
François Philippe Champagne, will be a strong voice for Canada on the world stage over the
coming years. I know that I can count on the many talents of François Philippe to work
with the business community and all citizens to take the necessary steps to ensure that
this agreement reaches its full potential. Now let’s be clear. A deal as ambitious
as CETA takes a lot of hard work. Every one of us in this room knows that it wasn’t
easy. It took a lot of back and forth. It took extended discussions and negotiations,
meetings in Canada, meetings in Europe. We can’t understate how important it was to
get this deal right. Trade needs to work for people, people who are struggling to make
ends meet and raise their families, for people who worry that their future or their children’s
future won’t hold the same promise and opportunities that it did for past generations. The people
we represent will support trade if it creates better jobs and makes their lives more affordable.
That’s what they expect of us, and I for one, fully intend to make sure that we deliver.
(Applause)
My friends, we’re all seasoned politicians
in this room. We know it is always much, much easier to point out problems than it is to
solve them. It’s harder to work to build than it is to tear things down. Well, with
CETA, together we have built something, something important, especially at this moment, on your
continent and mine. Now we need to make it work for your people and mine. If we are successful,
CETA will become the blueprint for all ambitious future trade deals. If we are not, this could
well be one of the last. So make no mistake about it. This is an important moment.
The motto of the European Union, united in diversity, is a great reminder of what can
be accomplished when we recognize that we are stronger not in spite of our differences,
but because of them.
(Applause)
Now, we live in a time when many people are worried that the current system only benefits
society’s luckiest few, and their concern is valid. The anxiety people have toward the
economy and trade, the worry that our kids would have access to the same jobs and opportunities
that we had can be addressed only if we ensure that trade is inclusive so that everyone benefits.
And this agreement -- the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement -- delivers just that,
because at its heart, CETA is a framework for trade that works for everyone.
This agreement will result in the creation of good, well-paying jobs for the middle class.
It will put food on the table for families and will help grow and strengthen our communities.
Let’s say you’re a budding entrepreneur with a new product or an innovative solution,
and you’re having a tough time reaching new consumers. Well, CETA has just opened
the door to new markets. And what if you’re a consumer looking to buy imported goods,
but you know they cost too much? For example, Manitobah Mukluks, wonderful winter boots
made by a Canadian, Indigenous-founded company, are currently subject to a 17% tariff in Europe.
Well, with the ratification of CETA, those tariffs are removed, and you, as a consumer,
could pay much less at the checkout, when you really want beautiful winter boots.
(Applause)
Trade that is free and fair means we can make
the lives of our citizens more affordable and create more jobs. It means that manufacturers
can expand their products’ global reach, gain market share and successfully compete
with the best in the world. And it means that folks working in service sectors like engineering,
architecture and information technology will see greater predictability and transparency
when dealing with international clients. At the end of the day, both Canada and the
EU want to do what’s best for our people. We want hardworking families, we want hardworking
people to make a good living and support their families. We want moms and dads to be able
to give their kids better opportunities than they ever had. We want each generation of
Canadians and Europeans to be better off and to have a higher standard of living than the
one that preceded it. And deals like CETA, which is centred on the idea of trade that
is both free and fair, will get us there. At the end of the day by making it easier
to buy and sell products, we can expand opportunities for our businesses, both back in Canada and
right across the EU. For everyone, for small businesses, for entrepreneurs, for hardworking
farmers and fishers, we can create jobs for the middle class and make sure that the benefits
of trade reach our citizens. Make no mistake: it isn’t just about trade,
imports, exports, profits. It’s about making people’s lives better. CETA is a comprehensive
blueprint for responsible economic cooperation between countries. This modern, forward looking
agreement reflects a truly progressive trade agenda, with provisions that protect the ability
of societies to promote the public good. CETA ensures that governments can continue to protect
their citizens. Protect labour; promote responsible investment practices; ensure food and consumer safety;
strengthen forest, fishery and aquaculture management; and ensure strong environmental stewardship.
My friends, this really is one of the most sustainable, progressive trade
agreements in the world. To all members present, thank you for your hard work over the last
several years in making this ambitious goal a reality. I know that all our citizens will
be better served for it. Canada and the European Union have been friends,
partners and allies for a very long time, and our natural, easy relationship is grounded
in what we have in common. We share goals and aspirations for a better, safer and fairer
world. We want to do what’s right by the workers and families we were elected to represent.
And we embrace change, seeking the opportunity to lead in a global economy that’s constantly
evolving. CETA and the SPA, these landmark agreements, are a direct reflection of what
we have in common and they will serve to benefit Canadians and Europeans alike for generations
to come. In the things we have agreed upon so far and
in the discussions that lie ahead, the Canada-EU strategic partnership will forever be rooted
in respect with an eye to the future. My friends and dear colleagues, it’s safe to say that
this is just the beginning. For Canada and the European Union, the best is very much
yet to come. Thank you, everyone. (Applause) Thank you very much.