Government of Canada Delivers Economic Action Plan 2012: A Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Long-Term Prosperity

At press time, Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty tabled Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2012, a comprehensive agenda to bolster Canada’s long-term economic strengths and promote job growth.

“In this budget, our Government is looking ahead not only over the next few years but also over the next generation,” said Minister Flaherty. “The reforms we present today are substantial, responsible, and necessary. They will ensure that all across government we are focused on enabling and sustaining Canada’s long-term economic growth.” For full story»

Canada and US Announce Expanded Cooperation to Secure Inventories of Highly Enriched Uranium

Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced at the recent Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, South Korea, that Canada and the United States are expanding their efforts to return additional inventories of highly enriched uranium (HEU) materials, currently stored at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited’s Chalk River Laboratories in Ontario, to facilities in the United States.

“Canada is committed to working cooperatively to combat the threat of nuclear terrorism,” said PM Harper. “This initiative demonstrates Canada’s continued leadership by returning more highly enriched uranium inventories to the United States.” For full story»

PM Announces Continued Support for Nuclear Security Collaboration

Also at the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, Prime Minister Harper announced Canada’s continued support to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Nuclear Security Fund.

“Canada recognizes the pivotal role the International Atomic Energy Agency plays in promoting nuclear safety and security around the world,” said the PM. “Our Government is proud to continue providing substantial support for this vital international organization, including its efforts to counter nuclear terrorism.” For full story»

Minister Baird Concludes Successful Visit to Middle East

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird recently concluded a successful two-day visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where he discussed regional security issues and met with prominent business leaders.

“I was pleased to accept Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud’s invitation to discuss the situation in the Middle East,” Minister Baird said. “Saudi Arabia is an important player in the region and in the international community generally. We agreed on the need for united action to end the appalling violence in Syria perpetrated by the Assad regime and to deal with the resulting humanitarian crisis.” For full story»

PM Announces Launch of Free Trade Negotiations with Japan

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda last month announced the launch of negotiations towards a free trade agreement that will deepen the trade and investment ties between Canada and Japan. The announcement was made during an official visit to Japan by Prime Minister Harper, where he was joined by Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway Ed Fast.

“Our Government is creating jobs, growth, and long-term prosperity for all Canadians through increased trade,” said Prime Minister Harper. “A free trade agreement with Japan – a powerful G8 economy and respected Asia-Pacific partner – would strengthen the Canadian economy by generating billions of additional dollars in commercial flows between our two countries.” For full story»