Conservatives continue to fail on exports

Today’s export statistics show an alarming $638 million dollar trade deficit in April. This is more proof that Stephen Harper and the Conservatives are not getting results for the growing number of Canadians that are struggling to find good, family-supporting jobs.

“Conservatives never miss an opportunity to stage a photo-op or boast about their ambitious trade agenda. They talk a good game, but after 8 years in power the reality is they simply have not delivered results” said Trade Critic Don Davies (Vancouver-Kingsway)

Since 2006 Conservatives have consistently run huge trade deficits. Today’s export statistics show a trade deficit of $638 million dollars – far worse than expected and the largest in five months. Canada is falling behind similar countries and underperforming in key emerging markets.

“Instead of taking common-sense steps to turn things around, like investing in our Trade Commissioner Service, Conservatives have hiked tariffs and wasted time and resources on ideologically-motivated agreements with extreme right-wing governments like that of Honduras” Davies added.

“In October the Prime Minister tried to distract Canadians from the Senate scandal by flying to Europe and pretended to sign an agreement with the European Union. Months later the Prime Minister is back in Europe, and there is still no deal,” said deputy critic, Guy Caron (Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques).