Canada-U.K. interim trade agreement: Minister Schweitzer

The Voice of Canada News:

Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation Doug Schweitzer issued the following statement on the Canada-U.K. trade continuity agreement:

“Alberta’s government welcomes the agreement in principle signed today between Canada and the United Kingdom. The agreement, which will serve as a bridge between current trade agreements and a formal U.K.-Canada trade deal, comes into effect Jan. 1, 2021. It secures the roughly $29 billion worth of goods and services traded between Canada and the U.K. each year.

“The U.K. is a valued Alberta trading partner, making this transitional agreement important to our province. Securing access to free trade with democratic allies has never been more important as Alberta, Canada, and the world look to support their economies following the devastating impacts of COVID-19.

“The signing of this agreement highlights the importance of Alberta’s relationship with the U.K. through the Invest Alberta Corporation and the province’s Alberta United Kingdom Office. With the interim agreement having a focus on areas like digital trade and women’s economic empowerment, Alberta’s U.K. office will play a key role in promoting Alberta as a preferred investment location, assisting Alberta businesses with introductions and networking opportunities, and representing Alberta’s key interests to U.K. business leaders.

“Moving forward, Alberta’s government will continue to strengthen our relationships with the U.K. and other free trade partners to build back our economy, encourage trade and investment, and create jobs for people across the province.”