Did You Know...? - Edition 18

November 23, 2009

That… Minister Flaherty and Minister Blackburn released for public consultations a proposed Code of Conduct for the Credit and Debit Card Industry in Canada. A new proposed Code of Conduct for the Canadian Credit and Debit Card Industry will help small businesses and merchants by helping to ensure fair practices and accountability, encourage choice and competition and prevent unfair practices in the credit and debit market. For further information, http://www.fin.gc.ca/n08/09-109-eng.asp

That… Prime Minister Stephen Harper attended the 2009 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Summit. He met with several fellow leaders, including Prime Ministers Key of New Zealand, Hatoyama of Japan, Rudd of Australia and Presidents Obama of the United States, Triet of Vietnam, and Russian President Medvedev. He raised a number of common issues including global security, the Arctic and, of course, the economy.   

That… Prime Minister Stephen Harper addressed Indian business leaders, emphasizing that Canada and India must forge stronger trade, investment and educational ties between the two countries. With two-way trade approaching $5 billion, Canada and India relations have strengthened over the past few years.  Both countries engage in regular and expert-level dialogue in areas as diverse as counter-terrorism, science and technology, agricultural cooperation, the environment, and energy. While in Mumbai, the Prime Minister took part in the launch of the Canadian Tourism Commission’s (CTC) emerging market strategy – a direct result of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. As part of the CTC’s campaign to showcase Canada as a must-see destination for Indian tourists, the Prime Minister presented a prototype of the Olympic torch to Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, one of 14 international torchbearers who will run in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. 

That… Minister Ritz and Minister of State Lebel announced, on behalf of Minister Day, new legislation to implement the Canada-Jordan Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Our Conservative government has made opening new markets a priority so that Canadian exporters can better help us create new jobs here at home. A Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Jordan can open doors between our two countries and provide a gateway to the broader Middle East and North African markets. Canadian exporters will benefit from duty-free access to Jordan in forestry, manufacturing, and agriculture and agri-food such as pulses, frozen potato products and beef.