International trade has long been recognized as an essential driver of jobs and growth and key to raising the standard of living for Canadians.

And while our economy will continue to be closely integrated to the North American continent, it makes sense to diversify beyond the United States to benefit from the large existing and emerging markets.

As a member of the International Trade Committee since 2006, I have witnessed our Government pursue an aggressive trade agenda opening new markets for Canadian business with Colombia, Peru, Jordan, Panama and the European Free Trade Association.

We are currently pursuing agreements with close to 50 more countries including the 27 leading and emerging economies that comprise the European Union.

With access to a high-income market of one-half billion consumers, a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the EU will offer great potential for economic growth and job creation generating an estimated $12 billion annually in economic activity.

Here in Kelowna-Lake Country, we are in a great position to take advantage of trade opportunities and many of our companies already do with some almost entirely focused on exporting their goods and services.

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing Corp (AEM) on Kirschner Road.  With a workforce of more than 75 people and plans to hire more next year, AEM is a classic example of a local company taking advantage of new market opportunities.

As one of BC’s top 25 exporters, AEM’s sales have grown 44%, year over year, with over 95% of their sales outside Canada.  As Pat Bell, BC Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation points out: “These companies, regardless if they’re established players or up-and-comers, are proof that exporting leads to success.”

Local businesses interested in pursuing trade with other countries should get in touch with our Trade Commissioner Service office in Kelowna.  Our trade commissioner is a great guy by the name of Harvey Rebalkin who gives free advice and guidance through four key services: assessing market potential, preparing for international markets, finding qualified contacts and resolving problems. Harvey can be reached at (250) 470-5000 or harvey.rebalkin@international.gc.ca .   The office is at 313 Bernard Ave.

When you realize that Canada represents more than 2% of the world’s trade but has only .5 % of the world’s population, you understand how important trading with the world is to Canada.  We’re good at it and our Government, lead by International Trade Minister Ed Fast, is committed to expanding trade opportunities for Canada knowing that Canadian businesses and workers can compete with the best in the world.

Robust trade worldwide, along with a very competitive tax regime, is just one more way that our Government is strengthening the economy, helping Canadian business to grow, and creating jobs for Canadians.

With Kelowna ranked the top entrepreneurial city in BC by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business and an economy that is extremely diversified, reflecting traditional and new industries, businesses here in the Okanagan Valley are more than ready to take advantage.

Ron Cannan is the Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country.