Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Calls Strengthened Ties with China a “Key Priority”
June 29, 2011 – Toronto, ON) – Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird delivered a keynote address today to over 100 members of the Canada-China business community at a luncheon hosted by the Canada China Business Council. Minister Baird’s speech, themed “Engaging China,” emphasized the strength of Canada’s bilateral ties with China and the importance that he places on deepening this relationship over his tenure.
“Looking forward, we are fully confident about the prospects for our commercial relations with China,” said Minister Baird. “China’s growth will remain robust over the medium term and Canada is uniquely positioned to provide many of the goods and services that China will need.”
Members of the Canada China Business Council were very keen to hear from Minister Baird, the Ottawa-area MP who was appointed to one of cabinet’s most senior posts in the new majority federal government in May.
“The efforts of the Harper government over the last few years have been essential in energizing bilateral trade and investment that is prosperous for both countries,” said Peter Harder, President of the Canada China Business Council. “The central importance of China in global trade now and in the future is well known. For a trade and investment dependant country such as Canada, the China connection is essential, especially for future generations of Canadians.”
“It cannot be ignored that Canada is China’s gateway to North America. We boast faster access between continents with shorter sailing-time and shorter container unloading times over other West Coast ports. We also offer the best transportation networks connecting 135 million North American consumers with global supply chains,” said the Minister.
“The growth of non-resource-related Chinese investment in Canada is incredibly encouraging. This year CIC chose Canada for the location of it’s first-ever office outside of China; and ICBC and Huawei have established growing operations here as well, said Harder. “These moves are indicative that the Harper government is engaging China, and under the leadership of Minister Baird, working towards a long and fruitful relationship.”
This speaking engagement was one of Minister Baird’s first public addresses as Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, a reflection of the importance he places on Canada’s relationship with China.
About the Canada China Business Council:
The Canada China Business Council (CCBC) is the country’s Canada-China bilateral trade and investment facilitator, catalyst and advocate. Founded in 1978 as a private, not-for-profit business association, CCBC provides unparalleled insight into Sino-Canadian trade and investment issues and develops connections that ensure its members’ business success. In addition to its focused and practical services, the Council is also the voice of the Canadian business community on issues affecting Sino-Canadian trade and investment.
CCBC members include some of the largest and best-known Canadian and Chinese firms, as well as small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, and not-for-profit organizations. CCBC also offers a ‘China Watcher’ program for individuals interested in staying up-to-date about Canada-China business relations.
CCBC members represent a wide range of sectors, including financial services, legal services, manufacturing, construction, transportation, mining and energy, information and communications technology, and education.
In addition to its head office in Toronto, CCBC also has offices and staff in Vancouver, Montreal, Beijing and Shanghai. CCBC’s network of staff offers programs and services in both Canada and China, and introduces members to opportunities in China’s emerging markets. CCBC also operates a chapter in Beijing, offering a range of events and broad networking opportunities at the local level.
Through its member services and events, CCBC provides its member companies with business insight, intelligence, connections, and networks that help resolve the inevitable challenges of doing business in another country. For more information about CCBC, visit them online at www.ccbc.com
About Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird:
John Baird was first elected to the House of Commons in 2006 and re-elected in 2008 and 2011. In February 2006, Mr. Baird was sworn in as President of the Treasury Board. In this role, he introduced and successfully steered the new Federal Accountability Act through both Houses of Parliament. In January 2007, he was named Minister of the Environment and, in October 2008, he became Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, where he spearheaded the design, negotiation and delivery of some 12,000 infrastructure stimulus projects across the country. In August 2010, he was named Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. From November 2010 to January 2011, he undertook additional responsibilities as Minister of the Environment.
Prior to entering federal politics, Mr. Baird was a member of Ontario’s provincial legislature, where he represented the constituency of Nepean-Carleton from 1995 to 2005. During that time, he served as Minister of Community and Social Services, Energy, Francophone Affairs, Children and Youth Services, and as Government House Leader.
Mr. Baird is a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion, an honorary member of the Kiwanis Club of Nepean, and a lifetime member of Canada’s largest Association for Community Living. In 2008, he was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Maclean’s Magazine and the Historica-Dominion Institute named him 2010 Parliamentarian of the Year, after a vote by his colleagues in all parties in the House of Commons.
Mr. Baird holds a Bachelor of Arts in political studies from Queen’s University.