High Tech Joins the Call for Open and Free Trade: The Americans will choose open trade with Canada

Montréal, June 3, 2009 --- The Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA) unconditionally supports the campaign initiated by the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) demanding a strong response from Canada to U.S. protectionism.

“Canada is loosing contracts by the hundreds every month because of unfair application of the Buy America Act by State and local governments, “said John Reid, President of CATA. “The Canadian Government has an opportunity to strengthen its relations with the US by reiterating that free trade fosters growth and prosperity by creating jobs both for Canada and the US.”

More than 80% of CATAAlliance 30 000 Canadian members are exporters of goods and services.

CATAAlliance believes that the battle against protectionism in the U.S. will be won with the support of the American people – its businesses and unions together – “We are like « friends and family” with our U.S. neighbors, said Huguette Guilhaumon, director of Innovation Portfolio and International Markets, CATAQuebec. “ We would like to encourage a mobilization program linking trade, our border, our security and our livelihood. We are behind moves to encourage reciprocal trade and we know that the majority of Americans will favor open trade with Canada.”

++ Action Item: Please contact Emily Boucher at eboucher@cata.ca if your company has encountered restrictive procurement and/or trade practices in the U.S. and/or to confirm your interest in participating in a CATA Teleforum Conference Call on this issue.