The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will support jobs and economic growth in British Columbia

November 16, 2018 – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a modernized North American free trade agreement that is good for Canada and good for Canadians. It is the result of Canada’s resolve at the negotiation table and our focus on getting the job done.

To promote the benefits and opportunities of the USMCA, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, spoke to an audience of business, academia, First Nations, and government leaders at the B.C. Business Summit 2018. The Minister stressed the importance of the USMCA in providing stability and predictability in trade with our largest market, and in supporting continued prosperity for British Columbia.

The announcement of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement was an important step forward for North American trade, reinforcing strong economic ties between the three countries, reaffirming certainty in our longstanding trade relationship, and fostering good, well-paying jobs for Canadians.

Canada is the only G7 country to have trade agreements with all G7 countries. When implemented, the USMCA will help Canadians continue to compete globally and prosper in a healthy, integrated North American economy.

The Government of Canada will continue to engage with our North American partners to finalize the details of an agreement that benefits all Canadians.

Quotes

“The USMCA is a good deal for the people of Vancouver and the Province of British Columbia as it means continued market access security for $20.4 billion in exports to the U.S. and stability for workers who rely on well-paying export dependent jobs. The province is well positioned to take advantage of the access the USMCA provides. The USMCA will contribute to long-term growth and prosperity for all British Columbians.”

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson,  Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“The USMCA is good for Canada’s economy, and good for Canada’s middle class workers and families. It addresses modern-day trade issues and supports prosperity for Canadians by ensuring that our businesses, entrepreneurs, workers, ranchers, farmers and fishers continue to have preferential access to our largest market.”

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

• In British Columbia alone, the average annual value of total exports to the U.S. from 2015-2017 was CAD$20.4 billion.
• British Columbia’s top exports from 2015-2017 to the U.S. were lumber, petroleum products, agricultural goods, pulp and paper, and metals.
• Employment in British Columbia’s fish and seafood industry accounts for approximately 12% of all jobs in this sector across Canada.
• The United States and Mexico are, respectively, Canada’s first- and third-largest merchandise trading partners in the world.

Associated links

• United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement
• Canada and United States relations
• Canada-Mexico relations
• North American Free Trade Agreement – Resources

Contacts

Jocelyn Lubczuk
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
613-992-3474
Jocelyn.lubczuk@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca

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