During the EP&nbsp;formal sitting in Strasbourg, address by Justin TRUDEAU, Canadian Prime Minister after an introduction by Antonio TAJANI, EP President

TAJANI, Antonio (EPP, IT)

Strasbourg

speech

formal sitting

Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (T)

EU - Canada (T)

TRUDEAU, Justin (CA)

Address by Justin TRUDEAU, Canadian Prime Minister: extracts from the formal sitting

Arival of Canadian Prime Minister Justin TRUDEAU and EP President Antonio TAJANI to the EP chamber, applause (3 shots)

SOUNDBITE (English), Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Welcome Prime Minister. You are the first Canadian head of government to address this Plenary. We are proud to have you here with us in Strasbourg. Canada and Europe share common languages, a history of friendship and a common vision for the future.

EP President Antonio TAJANI gives the floor to Canadian Prime Minister Justin TRUDEAU, he goes to the tribune.

SOUNDBITE (English), Justin TRUDEAU, Canadian Prime Minister, My friends, I am confident that we will achieve tremendous things together in the years to come &ndash; for the countries we represent, and, most importantly, for the people we serve. (...) Canada knows that an effective European voice on the global stage isn&rsquo;t just preferable &ndash; it&rsquo;s essential. (...) You are a vital player in addressing the challenges that we collectively face as an international community. Indeed, the whole world benefits from a strong EU. Applause.

SOUNDBITE (English), Justin TRUDEAU, Canadian Prime Minister, You see, collectively, we believe in democracy, transparency, and the rule of law. We believe in human rights. And we believe in inclusion, and in diversity. We know that, in these times, we must choose toleadthe international economy, not simply be subject to its whims.

SOUNDBITE (English), Justin TRUDEAU, Canadian Prime Minister, The people we represent will support trade if it creates better jobs and makes their lives more affordable. That&rsquo;s what they expect of us. And I, for one, fully intend to make sure that we deliver.

SOUNDBITE (English), Justin TRUDEAU, Canadian Prime Minister, With CETA, together we have built something. Something important. Especially at this moment, on your continent and mine. Now we need to make it work, for your people and ours. If we are successful, CETA will become the blueprint for all ambitious, future trade deals. If we are not, this could very well be one of the last.

SOUNDBITE (English), Justin TRUDEAU, Canadian Prime Minister, CETA is a framework for trade that works for everyone. (in French) This agreement will lead to the creation of good, well-paid jobs for the middle class. It will ensure the well-being of families and contribute to the growth and strengthening of our communities.

SOUNDBITE (French), Justin TRUDEAU, Canadian Prime Minister, Let us be clear: it is not just trade, imports and exports, profits. It's about improving people's lives. CETA is a comprehensive action plan to ensure responsible economic cooperation between countries. (...) CETA ensures that governments can continue to protect their citizens. Protects the workforce. Promotes responsible investment practices. Ensures food safety and consumer safety. Strengthens the management of forests, fisheries and aquaculture. And ensures the proper management of the environment. My friends, this is truly one of the most sustainable and progressive trade agreements in the world. To all the MEPs present, thank you for the hard work you have done over the past years to make of this ambitious goal a reality.

SOUNDBITE (English), Justin TRUDEAU, Canadian Prime Minister, In the things we have so far agreed upon, and in the discussions that lie ahead, the Canada-EU strategic partnership will forever be rooted in respect, with an eye to the future. My friends and dear colleagues, it&rsquo;s safe to say that this is just the beginning. For Canada and the European Union, the best is very much yet to come. Merci beaucoup tout le monde.

Applause, standing ovation from the Chamber (10 shots)