Minister Clement Addresses the International Economic Forum of the Americas

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct. 31, 2013) - The Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board, today addressed the International Economic Forum of the Americas to outline Canada's continued commitment to business and economic development.

"This Government has taken significant actions to enhance the way Canadians conduct business," said Minister Clement. "We've recently signed the largest free trade agreement in Canada's history, the Canada European Union Free Trade Agreement. This deal will give Canadian entrepreneurs access to over 500 million new consumers."

The Minister highlighted how opening markets, and being open to the world, is one of the Government's core beliefs, because it generates innovation, growth and jobs for all Canadians. The free trade agreement in principle reached between Canada and the European Union will significantly boost trade and investment ties between partners and will allow Canadian businesses to succeed.

Minister Clement also took the opportunity to highlight the many initiatives adopted within the last year to improve services for Canadians and to bolster business. Many of the important changes that were noted were made through the Red Tape Reduction Action Plan, which Minister Clement spearheads as President of the Treasury Board.

"One year after the launch of this plan, our Government has made substantial progress in implementing its red tape reduction reforms," said Minister Clement. "For example, the One-for-One Rule has now saved Canadian businesses nearly $20 million in administrative burden costs, which represents a reduction of about 98,000 hours in time spent dealing with regulatory red tape. As reiterated in the Speech from the Throne, our Government will also introduce legislation in the coming months to enshrine the One-for-One Rule in law."

The International Economic Forum of the Americas was attended by participants from 40 countries either in person or through teleconferencing, and included senior decision makers, industry leaders and global experts on economic and business development.

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