Ottawa, Ontario – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that he will participate in the G-20 Leaders’ Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, on September 5 and 6, 2013. He will be accompanied by Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance.
“While Canada has a strong economic record, our country is not immune to external developments and remains vulnerable to risks that continue to weigh on the global economy,” said Prime Minister Harper. “The world is looking to the G-20 to lay the framework necessary for sustainable global economic growth and job creation. Canada hopes that this year’s summit will result in commitments for further action on key issues such as financial regulation and trade liberalization.”
Russia, as this year’s host, has proposed an agenda focused on fostering growth through effective regulation, quality jobs and investment, and increased trust and transparency.
At the Summit, Prime Minister Harper will encourage coordinated action to increase trade, promote job creation and lay the foundations for strong, sustainable and balanced growth. Canada will also strongly encourage G-20 members to fight all forms of protectionism, oppose trade-restrictive measures and follow through on past commitments.
The Prime Minister will emphasize how Canada’s Economic Action Plan is enhancing the resilience of the Canadian economy through affordable measures that create jobs, promote growth and support long-term prosperity. He will also highlight Canada’s focus on supporting international efforts to address global economic challenges through forums such as the G-20.
Together, the members of the G-20 account for more than 85 percent of the world’s economy and two thirds of the world’s population, making the G-20 the premier forum for international economic cooperation. The G-20 provides an opportunity to develop a coordinated international response to pressing economic challenges. (PM-MEDIA)
