Toronto – The Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas), today met with leading members of the Korean-Canadian community. During a roundtable discussion held in Toronto, he lauded the valuable contributions being made by Korean-Canadians across the country.
“The Korean-Canadian community is a shining example of what can be accomplished through an unyielding work ethic and a commitment to education and family,” said Minister Kent. “In every field imaginable and in every way possible, Canadians of Korean descent are building a stronger, better country for all of us.”
The discussion spanned a wide range of domestic and foreign policy matters. Minister Kent praised Korean-Canadian small business owners for helping to spur economic growth during the worst global recession in half a century, and highlighted measures of interest in the government’s Economic Action Plan.
“We’re cutting taxes, slashing red tape, and increasing the maximum loan amount under the Canada Small Business Financing Program,” said Minister Kent. “In other words, our government is giving the Korean-Canadian business community the tools it needs in order to do what it already does best even better – create jobs, spur economic growth, and create exciting new business opportunities.”
Citing a number of examples, including ongoing negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement, Minister Kent noted that ties between Canada and South Korea are growing stronger. He concluded by thanking the community for the play it’s role in strengthening this special relationship.
