Sask. to benefit from new Canada-Europe free-trade deal

Saskatchewan's agriculture and mining equipment exporters are big winners in the new Canada-Europe free trade deal.

The deal was reached Friday at the Canada-European Union Summit hosted by Prime Minister Stephen Harper following negotiations with the EU on the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.

There will now be increased access to European markets for beef, pork, bison, grain and oilseed products. That could put another $1.3 billion into the pockets of agriculture exporters in Saskatchewan.

Canada's restriction on EU investment in uranium mining products is also being eased in the new deal. The Saskatchewan government said that could mean another $2.5 billion invested into the mining sector over the next 15 years.

Premier Brad Wall called trade a key component of Saskatchewan's growth plan.

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“Saskatchewan is a province of traders, one of the most expert-oriented jurisdictions in Canada. Opening up new markets, such as Europe, will enable sustained growth for our economy, our businesses and the people of Saskatchewan,” said Wall.

The agreement is still subject to a final legal review, translation and ratification by the Canadian and European Parliaments and the European Council.

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