Hello everyone. Welcome. I have just concluded a very productive meeting with Ms. Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund. Madame Lagarde, thank you for being with us today. It is a pleasure to welcome you to Canada to continue our work together.

During this meeting, we had a chance to continue some of the discussions we had two weeks ago in Hangzhou, China, at the G20.  We talked about how we can work more effectively to help build a more equal, more prosperous global economy.

First, we talked about the need to work together to encourage growth that helps everyone.  It’s not good enough to have an economy that only benefits the wealthiest 1%.  Inclusive growth can and must yield a positive impact for all.  This meeting was a chance to share our plan to help the middle class and grow the economy right here in Canada.  As you know, we’ve made smart, targeted investments in things like innovation and clean tech which will create jobs, help grow the economy, and protect our environment.  This approach aligns with some of the strategies championed by the IMF.  Strategies that support the needs of our communities while ensuring that working people can get ahead.

Second, we discussed the importance of free trade in the current global context. We know that trade liberalization here in Canada and around the world has the potential to create opportunities for businesses, good well-paying jobs for the middle class and wealth for our economies. This is a well-known, shared objective for Canada and the IMF, and we both… we have both taken concrete action in that regard. That said, our world is facing a wave of significant changes, and it is essential for Canada and the IMF to work together to increase trade. We must form a common front against the uncertainty and cynicism that drive certain leaders to shut themselves off and isolate themselves from the world.

Finally, we discussed Canada’s commitment to the IMF. Under the leadership of Madame Lagarde, the IMF has expanded its range of activities and the scope of its mandate to include such issues as gender equality, climate change and social and economic inequality. In this way, it remains an institution at the forefront of the problems facing our world and, especially, their solutions.

These are goals that Canada shares.  I know that our team is committed to being a strong partner for the IMF, and working with Mme. Lagarde on a wide range of issues, including gender equality on which she has been a leader throughout her career.  I look forward to continuing to work with Mme. Lagarde and her colleagues to tackle the challenges facing our global community and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

Thank you. Thank you.