"Ceta is not only about commerce, imports and exports, about
profits. It aims to improve people's lives," said Canadian Prime
Minister Justin Trudeau, while addressing MEPs in Strasbourg on
Thursday 16 February, one day after the the European Parliament
approved the EU-Canada trade agreement.
Welcoming Trudeau, Parliament President said: “Canada and
Europe share common languages, a history of friendship and a
common vision for the future. We share the same vision of an open
world and of the need to work together to give concrete answers
to the problems of our citizens."
Trudeau's speech in the Parliament, the first one ever by a
Canadian Prime Minster, took place one day after MEPs backed
Ceta.
“Trade needs to work for people,” said Trudeau, addressing
concerns that international trade agreements would mainly benefit
multinationals and could affect people´s jobs. “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,” he
said. “This anxiety towards the economy and trade can be
addressed only if we ensure that trade is inclusive so that
everyone benefits. And Ceta delivers just that."
Ceta
Trudeau highlighted the opportunities that Ceta could create:
"It’s a complete action plan to ensure economic and responsible
cooperation between countries."
He said Ceta would make commerce and job creation easier and
would also ensure that governments would still be able to protect
their citizens, the environment and food safety and good
practices in investment..
“With Ceta, together we have built something. Something
important. Especially at this moment, on your continent and
mine”, he said. “If we are successful, Ceta will become the
blueprint for all ambitious, future trade deals. If we are not,
this could very well be one of the last."
EU- Canada relations
The Canadian Prime Minister praised the relationship between his
country and the EU as "a natural, easy relationship grounded in
what we have in common” and said: “In these times, we must choose
to lead the international economy, not simply be subject to its
whims."
A strong EU
Trudeau also singled out the EU as a model. "The European Union
is a truly remarkable achievement, and an unprecedented model for
peaceful cooperation," he said: "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."
