Canadians know who they are. Canada needs to grow economically to sustain the kinds of unique social and cultural programs that have made our country special. Trade puts money in the pockets of Canadians who work in our hospitals, teach in our schools and run our social programs. The last thing Canadians need to do is to hide from the rest of the world. Canadian workers, small business owners and entrepreneurs have the ability to compete.
Investment follows trade and vice versa.
There was a time when many Canadians were wary of foreign investment. A few still are. But look at the example of Ericsson Communications Canada, an international investor hiring smart young Canadians to work here rather than somewhere else. And to work for the benefit of all Canadians. While the United States is its major export market, AGE also exports to Chile, France and Egypt.