Harper speaks at summit on trade,
CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA— The Conservative government’s promise in its recent budget to speed up the regulatory process for major natural resource projects is yet another reason why Latin American investors should take a closer look at Canada, Stephen Harper told executives from across the western hemisphere Saturday.
The Prime Minister delivered remarks at a forum of CEOS taking place just before the official opening of the Summit of the Americas, a gathering of 33 leaders from across the region.
“We cannot allow valid concerns about environmental protection to be used as an excuse to trap worthwhile projects in reviews-withoutend,” Harper said in his prepared speech.
“So let me be clear. When it comes to evaluating development plans, one should not confuse the length of the process with the rigour of the science. What matters is that the relevant facts are fully considered. That need not take years.”
Although many leaders at the summit have been focused on more strictly political issues here — the continuing exclusion of Cuba at the summit table and new ways of combating the war on drugs — Harper has stuck to a pro-trade agenda.
Canadian exports have been flagging in recent years, and Canadian manufacturing has felt the blow with an estimated loss of 500,000 jobs. At the same time, South American countries have seen strong economic growth and are an appealing destination for potential trade and investment.
Harper’s speech emphasized the Conservative government’s cutting of corporate taxes: “Our government understands that low, predictable taxes encourage business to do business. It is as simple as that.”
He announced funding for a handful of initiatives in the Americas. A new “sustainable energy access” project would devote $9.55 million over six years to improve energy planning, regulation and corporate social responsibility.
The Canada-americas Business Environment Reform would provide $11 million in technical assistance over five years to strengthen the investment climate in Latin America.