I am delighted to be here, and out of Washington for a change. And in a way, this is a kind of homecoming for me, being here in Ottawa. I got my start in global politics five years ago when President Clinton asked me to lead the charge on the North American Free Trade Agreement. It was a bruising battle. But in the end, despite the naysayers, workers and businesses in all three nations have benefitted.
Trade is up.
And more jobs were created than were lost. Well, since then I have not lost my passion for free trade. In fact, my job as Commerce Secretary has put even more fire in the belly. Create a business environment that encourages investment and trade. And listen to your customers.