But it must act swiftly and strategically to secure an inter-national advantage.
The Harper government is on the cusp of concluding a broad-ranging trade agreement with the European Union that would give Canadian companies preferential access to the European market. However, if Canada fails to close negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement with the EU this year, repercussions will be felt through all of Canada's trading partners, Campbell said in an address to the Vancouver Board of Trade.
"The whole world will watch whether we are successful in that negotiation or not. Canada right now is in the midst of a major advance in terms of trade," Campbell said.
"We are not just looking to complete the Comprehensive Trade Agreement with the European Union in 2012, we are looking to revitalize the trade agreement with Korea, we are looking by 2013 to have a trade agreement with India."
He said Prime Minister Stephen Harper's trip to China will also result in a renewed trading agreement.
Critics of the proposed EU agreement believe it would undermine Canada's sovereignty and give the Europe too much power over the country's trade. Among the concerns is that the agreement would restrict governments' abilities to limit the effect multinational companies and investors have on business in Canada. They say it would even prevent municipalities from engaging in "buy local" programs or procurement policies.
But Campbell said Canada is being watched closely and needs to show it is a partner in the world economy.
"All of those initiatives ... will look to see whether Canada is able - and takes itself seriously enough - to conclude the comprehensive economic agreement with the EU.
It is not just that it will open opportunities for all of us here and opportunities for Europe, we will be the only country in the world that has a direct connection with Europe and a direct connection to the United States."
This was Campbell's first public address since he was appointed as High Commissioner following his resignation as premier in November 2010.
In between jokes and stories about his new diplomatic role, Campbell underscored his view that Canada, in a post-2010 Olympic world, is in an advantageous global position.
"Canada at this time is an in an exceptional place. There is no country in the western world that has as good a record economically as Canada, that is held in as high regard as Canada is."
Campbell told reporters he would not make political comments and would not discuss the government of his successor, Premier Christy Clark. He deflected questions about his handling of the Harmonized Sales Tax, and would not talk about recent political polls.
He hinted that the style of his resignation, which took people by surprise, is one that all politicians should emulate.
"I always said to people I would let them know when I decided what to do and it took me about 36 hours and then I left, and that's the way I think you should do it," he said.
Original Article
Source: vancouver sun
Author: Jeff Lee
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