Harper hails Mulroney trade deal
PM says earlier pact cleared way for agreement with Europeans
MONTREAL So which is the bigger deal, the 1993 North American Free Trade Agreement or the recent free trade accord between Canada and the European Union? Both, appeared to be Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s answer Friday.
At a luncheon speech before the Montreal Board of Trade, Harper acknowledged he had been criticized for calling the pact with Europe “the biggest deal in our country’s history — a claim that I understand has been disputed in some circles.”
But with former prime minister Brian Mulroney sitting at the head table, Harper then went on to praise unstintingly the 1993 NAFTA accord inked by his Conservative predecessor.
“Allow me to address this question directly.”
“Obviously, the U.S. is by far our largest trading partner. We do more business with them than with all European countries combined.”
“That agreement with the U.S. (and later Mexico) was not only first, but it was revolutionary.”
Harper recalled the reaction 20 years ago to the treaty, some of which claimed that Canada would lose control over its own economy, even spell the end of Canadian sovereignty.
“These predictions proved to be not only entirely false, but even embarrassing. It was an unbelievable victory for Canada.”
“Without that achievement, the truth is ... that we could not have concluded — and I would not be here with you — to celebrate our latest historical achievement, free trade with the European Union. So we are really indebted to ... Brian Mulroney.”
But he added the European deal could be “even more important.” About 500 million people live in the EU, “and it’s the largest integrated market in the world.”
The proposed EU deal — which has yet to be ratified — covers investments, public markets, services and manpower mobility, and will serve as a template for future trade agreements around the world, Harper predicted.
It will also be “a unique opportunity to lessen our dependence on the American market and diversify our (world trade).”
He thanked the Montreal business community for being at the vanguard of the push toward free trade with Europe, an initiative launched by former Quebec premier Jean Charest five years ago. He also praised former Parti Québécois premier Pierre Marc Johnson, who was tasked by Charest with leading the bargaining, as being “one of the most efficient negotiators all along the process.”
“The rest is up to you,” he told the business people, ur- ging them to visit and engage in Europe. “We can become, in the short and long term, the essential pivot between Europe and the U.S. It is Canada’s moment, and it’s time to see that.”
In a question-and-answer period with Board of Trade president Michel Leblanc, Harper enumerated his government’s successes and achievements, re-asserting that the federal budget will be balanced in 2015, “way ahead of most countries.”
He did not give his explicit approval of the Enbridge pipeline project, but said that “it would be a tremendous opportunity in Canada to create a number of jobs” and tap “literally more than half a trillion dollars in energy over the next decade. The whole country (stands to benefit) from Alberta’s energy sector.”
Asked if he favoured a national energy policy — the much vilified phrase used by the Trudeau government to spread Alberta’s wealth nationally — Harper replied that “ever since I got into politics, I have kind of avoided using the words national and energy in the same breath.”
Harper saluted new Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre, saying to loud laughter that “it’s the first time today that he applauds me.” Coderre, formerly a federal Liberal, often sparred with Harper in the House of Commons.
Denis Lebel, minister of infrastructure, communities and intergovernmental affairs who is responsible for Quebec, told reporters later that “both are very good deals.”
But in the end, Harper never declared unequivocally which accord was the bigger deal.