MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –
Source: Government of Canada – in French
Press release
October 4, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
Canada is a world leader in the fight against climate change. Over the past 50 years, Canada’s fleet of more than 160 firefighting aircraft (water bombers) has been deployed around the world to protect communities from the impacts of climate change. This demonstrates Canada’s commitment to protecting the environment. In addition, Canada’s aerospace expertise benefits the economy, creates jobs and drives investment in the country’s aerospace industry.
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, concluded her visit in Brussels, Belgium, where, along with European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič, she participated in an event celebrating the acquisition by European Union (EU) members of 22 De Havilland Canadair 515 aircraft for the European firefighting fleet.
Minister Ng spoke with Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) President and CEO Bobby Kwon and Export Development Canada (EDC) Senior Vice-President, Large Canadian Companies, Sven List to highlight the successful government-to-government sale of these firefighting aircraft, which reinforces Canada’s ongoing commitment to mitigating the impacts of climate change, including wildfires.
Minister Ng took advantage of her stay in Brussels to speak with Executive Vice-President and European Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis. Minister Ng and Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis discussed opportunities to advance trade through the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the growing Canada-EU relationship. They also discussed shared priorities and areas of interest with respect to the World Trade Organization, the G7 and the G20.
Quotes
“The acquisition of Canadian firefighting aircraft by EU countries is a critical step in combating wildfires in the EU, and reflects our commitment to working together to mitigate the impacts of climate change as trusted partners. By strengthening the capabilities of our European allies, we are protecting nature and communities while strengthening international ties as we work together to address this global challenge. The acquisition is expected to create nearly 650 new sustainable jobs at De Havilland Canada, as well as an additional 2,600 jobs in the aircraft supply chain. This transaction is great for Canadian industry, jobs and the economy.”
– Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development
“This collaboration underscores the importance of international relationships for Canadian exporters like De Havilland Canada, which provides essential expertise and services. EDC welcomes the opportunity to be part of this Team Canada strategy to support the delivery of De Havilland Canada firefighting aircraft to several European partners. This will better equip them to fight wildfires in the context of the urgent challenges of climate change.”
– Sven List, Senior Vice President, Canadian Large Enterprises, EDC
“Over the past 2 years, CCC has been an effective partner to De Havilland Canada, leveraging its government-to-government contracting strategy to enable the largest order in the company’s history and the launch of a new aircraft production line for Canada.”
– Bobby Kwon, President and CEO, CCC
Quick Facts
The EU market, made up of 27 Member States, is Canada’s second largest global trading partner for goods and services, and Canada’s second largest global partner for two-way direct investment, after the United States.
September 21, 2024 marked the seventh anniversary of the provisional entry into force of CETA.
In 2023, the value of bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and the EU reached $126.5 billion, an increase of more than 65% since 2016, before CETA came into force.
Related links
Contact persons
Huzaif QaisarPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development343-575-8816Huzaif.Qaisar@international.gc.ca
Media Relations OfficeGlobal Affairs Canadamedia@international.gc.caFollow us on X (Twitter): @CommerceCanadaLike us on Facebook: Canada’s International Trade – Global Affairs Canada
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.