Alice Wong, MP

Ottawa, Ontario, May 8, 2012—The Government of Canada is seeking applications for projects to help seniors lead and participate in social activities and contribute to their communities.

This call for proposals under the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) was launched today by the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).

“Our government is proud to support organizations that are dedicated to improving the lives of seniors,” said Minister Finley. “Through initiatives such as the NHSP, we help seniors stay active and encourage them to continue to participate in the social and economic life of Canada.”

“The New Horizons for Seniors Program helps seniors put their experience to use through volunteerism and mentorship,” added Minister of State Wong. “By investing in these community projects, our government is improving both the quality of life for Canadian seniors and their neighbourhoods.”

NHSP community-based project funding enables seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others and helps communities increase their capacity to address local issues. Eligible recipients can receive up to $25,000 in grant funding per year.

In 2011, the Government of Canada strengthened direct support to seniors by increasing the annual NHSP budget to $45 million. Through Economic Action Plan 2012, the Government is taking the necessary steps to ensure that Canada’s social programs remain sustainable now and into the future.

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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For further information (media only):

Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and
Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
Follow us on Twitter

Robert Lynch
Director of Communications
Office of Minister of State (Seniors), Alice Wong
613-790-0219

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Backgrounder

New Horizons for Seniors Program

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities. Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others.

Community-based projects must address one or more of the program’s five objectives: promoting volunteerism, mentoring, elder abuse awareness, social participation and providing capital assistance.

The call will close on June 29, 2012, for all of Canada, except Quebec. The Quebec call will close on September 14, 2012, to coincide with a provincial call for proposals.

Since its beginning, the Program has funded more than 10 400 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. The NHSP recently approved 1 923 community-based projects worth over $35.6 million in funding through the 2010–2011 call for proposals.

For more information on the NHSP call for proposals, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.

On April 26, 2012, Alice Wong made a speech in the House of Commons on the following opposition motion:

“That this House reject the government’s plan to raise the age of eligibility for Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement from 65 to 67 years even though the current system is financially sustainable.”

The following is a transcript:

Hon. Alice Wong (Minister of State (Seniors), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, I will be splitting my time with the member for Nepean—Carleton.

I rise today to respond to the motion put forth by the member for London—Fanshawe. We oppose this motion.

It is imperative to reiterate some facts and be clear about them.

No current recipients of old age security will see any reduction in their benefits because of these proposed changes. These changes will gradually increase the age of eligibility for OAS from 65 to 67 years starting in 2023 with full implementation by 2029. This means our government is giving Canadians up to 17 years to plan and adjust accordingly.

Unfortunately, it appears that members opposite continue to take a head in the sand approach to the whole issue of OAS sustainability.

Our Conservative government is acting now to ensure the sustainability of OAS for future generations, for our children and our grandchildren. That is why we have come up with a reasonable plan to ensure all Canadians can continue to count on OAS for a more secure retirement future.

I do not believe anyone can dispute that our government is committed to ensuring seniors have the highest possible quality of life. I am proud of the work we have done to strengthen Canada’s retirement income system, and more broadly to help address issues that matter to seniors.

As a result of actions taken by our government, seniors and pensioners will receive $2.5 billion in additional targeted tax relief this fiscal year. We have introduced pension income splitting and have increased the age limit for maturing pensions and RRSPs. As a result of these actions, 380,000 seniors have been removed completely from the tax rolls. What does this really mean to the seniors I have met across this country? It means that more money will go directly into their own pockets to spend or save as they see fit.

Sadly, if it were up to the opposition parties, they would have raised taxes on all seniors, not reduced them. Whether it was a job-killing carbon tax, an increase in the GST or any number of other tax increase proposals put forward by the opposition parties, one thing is clear: if either the NDP or the Liberal Party were in power, the cost of living for Canada’s seniors would be higher.

Enough of pointing out the obvious, negative, damaging effects the opposition would inflict on Canada’s seniors if they were in power; rather, I would like to continue the discussion on how our government has delivered, and will continue to deliver, for seniors.

We have strengthened the support of the retirement income system and invested in a GIS top-up benefit for Canada’s most vulnerable seniors. In fact, it was the single largest increase to the GIS in over 25 years. What did the opposition do? Once again both parties voted against it. In total, this top-up provided additional annual benefits for more than 680,000 low income seniors.

Going back a little further, in budget 2008 we increased the amount that can be earned before the GIS is reduced to $3,500, so that recipients can keep more of their hard-earned money without any reduction in GIS benefits. Once again, as they have been known to do, almost as if they were in a coalition, both parties voted against this measure.

The CPP was modernized in 2009 to make it more flexible for those transitioning out of the workforce and to better reflect the way Canadians currently live, work and retire.

We built a better framework for federally regulated registered pension plans, including ensuring that an employer fully funds benefits, even if the pension plan is terminated. We expanded pension options with the introduction of pooled registered pension plans for millions of Canadians who have not previously had access to a large-scale, low-cost, professionally administered company pension plan.

Shifting gears for a moment, I would also like to discuss what many consider to be the greatest policy innovation in a generation to help Canadians save for their retirement, the tax-free savings account, TFSA, which we introduced in budget 2008. I do not think I need to tell members which way the NDP voted, but I will anyway. That is right. Again, the NDP voted against it. That is shameful because the TFSA is particularly beneficial to Canada’s seniors, as withdrawals from a TFSA do not affect income supports such as the age credit or OAS and GIS benefits. The TFSA also benefits seniors by giving them a savings vehicle to meet their ongoing savings needs.

As well, there have been several other initiatives that have demonstrated our support for seniors. We have eliminated the mandatory retirement age for federally regulated workers unless there is a bona fide occupational requirement. This allows the choice for Canadians to decide how long they wish to remain active in the workforce. We have also provided $400 million over two years for the construction of new housing units for low-income seniors. Since 2006, we have provided $220 million into the targeted initiative for older workers. This program is a federal-provincial-territorial employment program that provides a range of employment services for unemployed older workers in vulnerable communities. I am proud to report that about 75% of older workers who participate in the TIOW go on to find new employment. That is something we can be proud of.

I have just listed the unprecedented support our government has given to seniors since 2006. Let me highlight some other positive changes that were announced in our most recent budget. We announced our government will be working with a third-quarter project to assist seniors who are looking for jobs. For example, our government has for the first time introduced proactive enrolment for OAS benefits. These changes, which will start in 2013, will reduce the obligation of many seniors to apply for benefits and help ensure seniors receive the benefits they deserve.

Unfortunately, we have heard the same fearmongering and misinformation from the opposition about the sustainability of the OAS. Whether it be through misleading and confusing op-eds sent to local newspapers or partisan mail-outs and petitions that misrepresent the facts, the opposition parties have engaged in a reckless campaign of misinformation aimed at scoring cheap political points. We have heard a lot of questions about the savings associated with the proposal. Such questions miss the point entirely. We are taking these actions to ensure the survival of this benefit for future generations. We are implementing these measures to give predictability and certainty to those preparing for their retirement.

It is particularly hypocritical of the Liberal Party to be grandstanding on such an issue. This was the same matter that Paul Martin attempted to change in the mid-1990s to ensure the sustainability of this benefit. Unfortunately, the Liberals lacked the conviction to show real leadership and decided to pass the buck to a future generation and a future government to make the tough choices in the long-term interests of our nation. It is no surprise that Canadians elected a strong, stable, national Conservative majority government.

I would ask my hon. colleagues across the way to put aside their partisan blinders and to think of the long-term sustainability of this program. There is a greater interest than their perceived short-term political gain in considering this issue.

We need to act now to provide Canadians the certainty they need to plan for their retirements. We have heard from many private sector economists and the chief actuary, as well as pension and financial experts alike. They agree that the increased demand of a rapidly aging population is going to threaten the sustainability of the old age security program.

I would ask opposition parties to get their heads out of the sand and to stop their wilful ignorance of the very real challenges that face our nation because of an aging population and to join with the government in voting against the motion.

Ms. Ève Péclet (La Pointe-de-l’Île, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, I just have one question. Did the government consult the provinces before changing the age to 67? We all know that the provinces will have to cope with the two years that seniors are not going to receive money.

[Translation]

For now, the economic burden will be downloaded onto the provinces and they will have to deal with it. The money that this government refuses to invest for seniors will have to be invested by the provinces.

Why is this government not assuming its responsibilities, instead of chucking them onto the provinces?

[English]

Hon. Alice Wong:
Mr. Speaker, it is exactly what the government has done. We have already made it clear in our budget that any net loss that might incur to provinces and territories because of the changes will be compensated by our government.

There are 11 years to discuss this. We will keep working on this in the next provincial and federal government meetings.

Hon. Gerry Byrne (Humber—St. Barbe—Baie Verte, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member has suggested that she has solid information and knowledge of the government’s intentions with regard to the old age security program and the GIS program. She has suggested there will be no changes to any current recipient.

I would like to ask the honourable member this, since she has personal and intimate knowledge of the government’s intentions. The current policy of allowing the optioning of registered retirement income funds for the purposes of the calculation of GIS has currently been deemed illegal by the Tax Court of Canada. It has said that within the Old Age Security Act there are no provisions to allow for the optioning of RRIF income, yet the government continues to do so. It has suggested that if the government were to ban this practice, according to policy, it would be negatively impacting current recipients of old age security and GIS benefits.

Is it the intention of the Government of Canada to amend the Old Age Security Act to allow what it is currently doing under policy to occur statutorily by an amendment to the Old Age Security Act to allow the optioning of RRIF income for the purposes of the calculation of eligibility to the GIS program?

Hon. Alice Wong:
Mr. Speaker, the question we are debating right now is whether we should extend the age of eligibility from 65 to 67. That is what we are debating right now.

Let us listen to what some of our economists have said.

“What is less reasonable is the quasi-hysterical and downright demagogic reactions from opposition critics to what was a fairly modest proposal”. That was from the Montreal Gazette.

Here is another quote. “Without any changes, Canada will be hard-pressed to provide any social or institutional programs beyond seniors’ income supplements and health care.” That was in a Star Phoenix editorial.

Another quote says, “opposition parties’ efforts to panic Canadians that the…government is targeting seniors are as disingenuous as they are dangerous”. That was in a Star Phoenix editorial.

Another quote says, “The fact of the matter is Canadians are getting older, the demands on the system are getting greater, and the costs are going up”. That was said by Patricia Croft, economist, The Bottom Line, CBC The National.

All these quotes just confirm that our move is in the right direction.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – April 16, 2012) - Seniors across Canada can look forward to new services and activities in their communities through the New Horizons for Seniors Program. The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), made the announcement today.

“Our government recognizes the diversity of skills, knowledge and experience that seniors contribute to our society and economy,” said Minister of State Wong. “Through initiatives such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we are helping to ensure that seniors maintain a high quality of life and continue as active, participating members of their communities.”

The announcement was made at the Robert Lee YMCA of Greater-Vancouver, which will receive $24,912 for its project to promote social participation and inclusion of seniors by providing a health and fitness program.

Since its beginning, the New Horizons for Seniors Program has funded more than 10,400 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. This year, the Government of Canada will provide more than $35.6 million in funding for almost 2,000 community projects.

This news release is available in alternative formats on request.

BACKGROUNDER

New Horizons for Seniors Program

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities. Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others.

The 2011-12 community-based projects call for proposals ran from June 20 to September 16, 2011. Projects can receive up to $25,000 in funding and must address one or more of the program’s five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation, and capital assistance.

Since its beginning, the Program has funded more than 10,400 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.

The next NHSP call for proposals is expected to launch in spring 2012. For more information on the NHSP, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.

On April 4, 2012, Alice Wong answered one question about pensions during question period. The following is a transcript:

Mr. Mike Wallace (Burlington, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, our government understands the importance of a secure and dignified retirement for people who have spent their lives building Canada through hard work. That is why in 2006, we have taken action to ensure that retirement income is sustainable and is there when Canadians need it.

Will the Minister of State for Seniors please update the House on the measures we are taking to ensure that Canadians’ retirement income is sustainable today and tomorrow?

Hon. Alice Wong (Minister of State (Seniors), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for Burlington for the question. That is exactly what we are doing.

That is why, since 2006, we have introduced such measures as pension income splitting, billions in annual tax relief for seniors and the largest GIS increase in 25 years.

But we also need to ensure that future generations can count on sustainable retirement benefits when they need them. Changes made to OAS will be phased in between 2023 and 2029, giving Canadians up to 17 years to plan and adjust accordingly. No current recipients will be affected. That is the good message for all Canadians.

TORONTO, March 15, 2012 — The Government of Canada announced today the introduction of legislation which will help ensure that sentencing for crimes against elderly Canadians reflects the significant impact that crime has on their lives. The announcement was made by the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada; along with the Honourable Alice Wong, M.P. for Richmond and Minister of State (Seniors); and Robert Goguen, M.P. for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice.

““Our Government has a responsibility to protect elderly Canadians and to ensure that crimes against them are punished appropriately,” said Minister Nicholson. “This legislation will help ensure tough sentences for those who take advantage of vulnerable members of our society.””

““This legislation would further support our Government’s common front to combat elder abuse in all forms,” said Minister of State Wong. “Elder abuse will not be tolerated. Our Government is committed to ensuring that Canadians are made aware of this serious issue and that they have the necessary information and support to take action and help prevent abuse.””

Under the proposed amendment to the Criminal Code, evidence that an offence had a significant impact on the victims due to their age – and other personal circumstances such as health or financial situation – would be considered an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes.

The amendment would ensure a consistent application of sentencing practices that treat the abuse against individuals who are vulnerable due to their age and other personal circumstances seriously. The Criminal Code already contains similar measures that denounce the abuse of vulnerable persons. For instance, it states that the abuse of a person under the age of eighteen is an aggravating factor at sentencing.

““The interests of law-abiding citizens should always be placed ahead of those of criminals,” said Parliamentary Secretary Goguen. “Our Government will continue to honour our 2011 platform pledge to protect our seniors.””

The Government addresses elder abuse in a number of ways, including its elder abuse awareness campaigns and the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which includes projects to increase awareness. In 2011, the Government increased its investment in the New Horizons for Seniors Program by $5 million per year, bringing the program’s annual budget to $45 million.

More information about elder abuse can be found at www.seniors.gc.ca.

Backgrounder: Elder Abuse Legislation

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Ref.:

Julie Di Mambro
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621

Robert Lynch
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Seniors)
613-790-0219

Media Relations
Department of Justice
613-957-4207

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559

On March 8, 2012, Alice Wong answered one question about seniors during question period. The following is a transcript:

Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, a shocking 46.5% of elderly Canadian women live alone in poverty. This is double the poverty rate for elderly men in Canada. Seniors’ poverty particularly touches aboriginal and immigrant women.

Will the government implement a real strategy to fight poverty and make reforms to our pension system to lift all senior women out of poverty?

Hon. Alice Wong (Minister of State (Seniors), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, the fact remains that our government is working hard for all seniors. It was our government that introduced a low tax plan that removed thousands of seniors from the tax rolls completely. It was our government that introduced pension income splitting and the largest GIS increase in a quarter century. It was her party that voted against all of these.

Canadians know that they can count on this government to deliver for seniors.

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, March 6, 2012— Today, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), announced the National Seniors Council’s new priority for 2012: seeking employers’ views on how to retain and attract older workers specifically those who are most vulnerable.

“It is important that the Council speak to employers about their views on the challenges and opportunities of an aging workforce,” said Minister of State Wong. “Input from the Council’s engagement activities will provide the Government of Canada with valuable information to help shape policies, programs and services that support older Canadians.”

Last year, the Council examined labour force participation of seniors and near-seniors, and intergenerational relations. The work of the Council this year is expected to build on that momentum by talking to employers about the challenges and opportunities posed by an aging workforce and seeking best practices from employers in recruiting and retaining older workers.

The National Seniors Council advises the Government of Canada on current and emerging issues and opportunities related to the quality of life and well being of seniors, both now and in the future.

Since 2007, the Council has undertaken work on elder abuse, low income among seniors, volunteering among seniors, positive and active aging, labour force participation among seniors and near seniors, and intergenerational relations.

For more information on the Council, please visit www.seniorscouncil.gc.ca.

For more information on what the Government of Canada is doing for seniors, visit seniors.gc.ca.

Victoria, British Columbia, March 2, 2012—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors, hosted a round table event today with local seniors’ organizations from theVictoria area. This event, hosted by the Centre on Aging,University ofVictoria, was part of a series of cross‑Canada consultations to discuss key issues that matter to seniors in the area.

“The Government of Canada is committed to the well-being of Canadian seniors,” said Minister Wong. “Through these round tables, our government is engaging key stakeholders to discuss elder abuse and other important seniors‑related issues.”

It is estimated that between 4 and 10 percent of Canadian seniors experience some form of elder abuse. The Government of Canada is taking action to increase awareness of this issue through its elder abuse awareness campaign and a component of the New Horizons for Seniors Program that provides grants to increase awareness.

The outcome of these round table discussions will help inform the direction of future government policies and programs on elder abuse and seniors’ issues.

For more information on what the Government of Canada is doing for seniors, visit seniors.gc.ca.

This news release is available in alternative formats on request.

London, Ontario, February 24, 2012—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), hosted a roundtable event today with local seniors’ organizations from the London area. The event was part of a series of cross-Canada consultations to discuss key issues that matter to seniors in the area.

“The Government of Canada is committed to the well-being of Canadian seniors,” said Minister Wong. “Through these roundtables, the Government of Canada is engaging key stakeholders to discuss elder abuse and other important seniors‑related issues.”

It is estimated that between four and 10 per cent of Canadian seniors experience some form of elder abuse. The Government of Canada is taking action to increase awareness of this issue through its elder abuse awareness campaigns and a component of the New Horizons for Seniors Program that provides grants to increase awareness. The most recent instalment of the elder abuse awareness campaign is running during the month of February.

The outcome of these roundtable discussions will help inform the direction of future government policies and programs on elder abuse and seniors’ issues.

For more information on what the Government of Canada is doing for seniors, visit seniors.gc.ca.

This news release is available in alternative formats on request.

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada in Guangzhou, China
10 February 2012
Guangzhou, China

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks in Guangzhou, China:

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and thank you Governor Zhu for your greetings and thank you Ed, for your warm words. Governor Zhu, Lieutenant Governor Lee, Mrs. Lee, Ambassador Zhang, Ambassador Mulroney, colleagues from the Parliament of Canada, ladies and gentlemen. First, I’d like to thank our friends here at the Canada-China Business Council, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of Shanghai and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong, for partnering with the Government of Canada for this superb event. It’s a great honour to speak before such a group as this; the organizers deserve our hearty congratulations!

“I’m very pleased to be here in historic Guangzhou, one of China’s largest cities, a place with a rich history of thousands of years of civilization, today blessed by a dynamic and energetic population, whose industry reaches literally around the world. Actually, this whole province of Guangdong is a special place for Canada. In fact, no part of China has provided more of its sons and daughters as immigrants to Canada, than Guangdong province.

“Canada has been enormously blessed by the energy and entrepreneurial spirit of people who came from this area, and on their behalf, I am proud to bring you greetings. Let me just introduce my friends and Cabinet colleagues who are with me, Ministers John Baird, Ed Fast, Gerry Ritz, Joe Oliver and Alice Wong, why don’t you all stand up and be recognized. Perhaps I should say ‘re-introduce them,’ because all of them have visited your country before, some more than once. Indeed, Minister Wong, like Lieutenant-Governor Lee, hails from Hong Kong, another great Chinese city, from which many people come to Canada, and achieve great things.

“And I would be remiss not to give a special greeting to our master of ceremonies, Canada’s very own Mark Rowswell, or as you know him, Dashan. Dashan is a remarkable goodwill ambassador between Canada and China, and I’m grateful to him for shortening his vacation to spend a few days with us and I assure you we’ll feed you more than bamboo over the next decade. Also on a return trip is my wife, Laureen, who I really shouldn’t forget to mention! Laureen and I visited Beijing and Shanghai slightly more than two years ago.

“On both of our trips to China you have indeed been gracious hosts. Earlier today, we spent some time with Party Secretary Wang, it was a cordial and constructive conversation and it will be helpful in our objective of broadening the strategic economic partnership that Canada and China share.

“Since our last visit, there has been considerable progress, for, despite our enormous differences, we share some important similarities. We are both countries looking forward, with the conviction that the new century will be our century. We are both ambitious, outwardly focused, trade-oriented, eager to strengthen our partnership, in fact, to take that partnership to the next level, for Canada has been built on trade. And now, more than ever before, Canadians are looking to profoundly diversify our trade relationships and to deepen our cooperation here, and right across this region. I shall return to this theme later.

“First, however, I’d like to talk about the results of work we have done in recent years. During my visit, my 2009 visit, Canada and China signed agreements dealing with several areas, including tourism, cultural exchanges, climate change, energy conservation, green technologies, and of particular importance, was education. Following our 2009 agreements, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of Chinese students studying in Canada. There is no better place in the world to study than Canada. That’s why more than 60,000 Chinese students now attend Canada’s world-class colleges and universities, that’s a 35 per cent increase in just four years, and the number is growing.

“Another area where we’ve moved forward quickly since 2009 is tourism. This was given a special impetus during my last visit, when China gave Canada Approved Destination Status. There has since been tremendous growth in travel. From January to October of 2011, Canada received more than 200,000 visits from China, an increase of almost 25 percent in one year alone, and we look forward to welcoming even more Chinese visitors in the years to come. But we haven’t stopped there. On Wednesday, we witnessed the signing of several government-to-government agreements. They dealt with air transportation, with agriculture, with double taxation. We renewed an earlier memorandum of understanding on energy cooperation, and we have agreed to jointly fund science and technology research into human vaccines and clean transportation. And on Thursday, we witnessed the signing of a large number of business contracts, worth nearly $3 billion.

“Many very large Canadian companies are keenly interested in China, and especially in Guangzhou. For example, Scotiabank, one of Canada’s largest banks, has had a growing presence in Asia for years. Now, Scotiabank has just entered into a partnership in the Bank of Guangzhou. Another Canadian household name is Bombardier. Bombardier has been supplying light rail transit cars and systems to the Guangzhou and Shenzhen Metros. I could go on, for there are other major Canadian companies active in southern China: grain handler Viterra in Guangxi province, and Calgary’s Husky Oil partnering with the China National Offshore Oil Corporation, using its world-class expertise to explore and exploit deep-water oil and gas deposits in the South China Sea. In other words, the potential of partnerships in China, and especially here in Guangdong Province, is very much on our radar.

“So, ladies and gentlemen, what does it mean when we say we want to take the Canada-China strategic economic partnership to the next level? It means we recognize the great potential synergies of our economies and we seek to work together to secure the advantages they offer, and, friends, let me remind you of what foundational strengths Canada brings to the table. Canada’s strengths as a partner are considerable. As a developed economy, Canada is technologically sophisticated, and in this era of global economic crisis, Canada has demonstrated far stronger fundamentals than most of its peers. For example, for the fourth year in a row, the World Economic Forum says Canada’s banks are the soundest in the world. Among the G-7 countries, Canada maintains the lowest overall tax rate on new business investment and the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio by far. No wonder Forbes magazine ranks Canada as the best place on the planet for businesses to grow and create jobs. No surprise that the OECD and the IMF predict our economy will again be among the leaders of the industrialized world over the next two years, and, Canada has abundant natural resources. Those natural resources are critical things that China needs, as the Governor said, and will continue to need, to power the kind of industrial growth that you are witnessing, minerals, food, lumber, advanced expertise in a wide spectrum of activities, and, of course, Canada has energy.

“Now let’s just talk about that for a moment. Canada is not just a great trading nation; we are an emerging energy superpower. It has abundant supplies of virtually every form of energy, and you know, we want to sell our energy to people who want to buy our energy, it’s that simple. Currently, 99 per cent of Canada’s energy exports go to one country – the United States. And it is increasingly clear that Canada’s commercial interests are best served through diversification of our energy markets. To this end, our government is committed to ensuring that Canada has the infrastructure necessary to move our energy resources to those diversified markets. Yes, we will continue to develop these resources in an environmentally responsible manner, but so too will we uphold our responsibility to put the interests of Canadians ahead of foreign money and influence that seek to obstruct development in Canada in favour of energy imported from other, less stable parts of the world.

“So friends, when it comes to energy resources, taking things to the next level means recognizing we are natural trading partners, and that we should engage more deeply. We’ve also announced an agreement building on our long-standing nuclear cooperation, to increase the export of Canadian uranium to China, but taking things ‘to the next level’ means more than just increasing energy sales. This week, I was truly pleased to announce with Premier Wen the conclusion of negotiations on a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement between our two countries. This Agreement will provide greater predictability and protection for Chinese and Canadian investors, across a wide range of enterprise. It will allow them to do business with confidence; it will lead to more investment. Ultimately, that will lead to more growth and jobs for Canadians. That’s why Canadian governments have sought such an agreement for almost 20 years. It is therefore an historic step forward in our economic partnership, and we will immediately begin to build further on this achievement. We have committed also, to move to the next step, by soon concluding our Joint Economic Complementarities Study, and from this, engaging in discussions on further deepening our trade and economic relationships. In other words, on this visit, we have seen not just great progress, but also the beginning of much more progress to come. All that is at the high and lofty level of our hard-working and dedicated officials. What does it mean to people on the street, in China and in Canada? It means, simply, opportunity; opportunity that leads to growth and to jobs. That’s why Canada, under our government, has built a network of eleven trade offices in the People’s Republic of China. That’s why you have observed the accelerating pace of high-level exchanges, that’s why, consistent with our strategic partnership, we are here today.

“Are there obstacles? Of course there are. Canada does not, and cannot, disconnect our trading relationship from fundamental national values. Canadians understand that our wealth and prosperity have come about, and are broadly shared, not just because of our abundant resources and hard work, but because of our commitment to freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights for everyone. Canadians believe, and have always believed, that the kind of mutually beneficial economic relationship that we seek is also compatible with a good and frank dialogue on fundamental principles, such as freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of belief and worship, and they demand that their government, Canadians demand that their government and their businesses, uphold these national characteristics in all of our dealings. Canadians also demand that their government be a responsible global citizen in dealing with peace and security challenges that confront the world, and, wherever we can, we urge other governments, including global actors like China, to do the same.

“Now friends, in saying these things, let me be clear that I do not claim to fully understand the unique kinds of challenges that a huge, emerging, spectacularly expanding economy such as this one faces. Today, the drive in from the airport is a powerful picture of how millions of people are bettering their lives through industry and investment. Without a doubt, this is its own kind of liberation. Nor do I ignore the undeniable differences of Chinese culture and history. However, as Canadians, our history has taught us that economic, social and political development are, over time, inseparable, and it is our national creed that people of all cultures can be Canadian, enjoying and participating in all aspects of our democratic society as, indeed, Canadians of Chinese origin do today. Therefore, in relations between Canada and China, you should expect us to continue to raise issues of fundamental freedoms and human rights and to be a vocal advocate for these, just as we will be an effective partner in our growing and mutually beneficial economic relationship.

“Ladies and gentlemen, in 2010, we had the pleasure of welcoming President Hu on his official visit to Canada. In the past two days in Beijing, we had the opportunity to renew our acquaintance, as well as to talk with Premier Wen, Chairman Wu and Vice Premier Li. I am encouraged by our discussions, encouraged that in this time of both great opportunity and risk in the global economy, our two great countries can cooperate for the mutual benefit of our peoples. Now some will observe that, despite all that has been accomplished, much work remains to be done if we are to truly maximize the real potential of this relationship. That is true, and it is why we are here, but I will also say this: the future of our relationship is laden with promise.

“China has shown the world how to make a poor people rich, through frugality and diligence, and of course, the application of market economics. This message is validated by performance, by a 30-year average of 10 per cent per annum growth, by lifting a half a billion people out of poverty and by becoming an economic power

of the first rank likely to soon return to what it has been for most of recorded history, the world’s largest economy. The world is a better place for a China that favours free trade over protectionism, for a China that plays the constructive role it did at last year’s G-20, and for a China whose people will value social and political progress as much as its economic growth. To these things, we look forward with hope and optimism and in growing friendship.

“Ladies and gentlemen, you have been extremely generous with your time and attention. Laureen and I are also, of course, grateful for your warm hospitality. Thank you.”