The secret of success in this era of trade globalization lies in the capacity of national economies to adjust quickly so as to benefit from the new opportunities opening up on world markets.

Canada holds the keys to success in the new economy: Canadian entrepreneurs are at the forefront of key industrial and technological sectors; our workers are skilled and mobile; and the Government of Canada is an important partner in securing trade opportunities and supporting R&D.

Under our federal system, the Canadian economic and political union facilitates adaptation because it allows the free circulation of goods, services, technology, capital and people.

The Government of Canada has undertaken to lay the foundation for an economy that is more flexible and better adapted to the challenges of the next millennium:

• by supporting R&D in key sectors - $2.55 billion across Canada;
• by investing in partnership with the private sector in key growth areas such as environmental technologies, enabling technologies and the aerospace industry to increase our market share abroad and ensure economic growth at home;
• by partnering with business in seeking out foreign investment in leading-edge and growth sectors through Investment Partnership Canada;
• by signing an interprovincial trade agreement designed to increase the free movement of goods and services within Canada;
• by implementing Canada Infrastructure Works, the national infrastructure program, which contributes to the successful renewal of our basic infrastructure.

Team Canada trade missions led by the Prime Minister and provincial/territorial leaders have given Canadian firms the boost they need to succeed in new markets. To date, Team Canada missions have brought home more than $22 billion worth of business deals, creating or sustaining high-value-added jobs for Canadians.

Various Quebec companies have also carved out an enviable place on the national and international scene. These enterprises include Bombardier, SNC-Lavalin, SoftImage, BioChem, Québécor, Cascades, Domtar Inc. and Bell Helicopter Textron Canada.

A recent independent study by the consulting firm KPMG confirmed that Canada's social programs represent an important competitive edge for Canadian businesses as well. For example, employer-paid health insurance premiums in Canada amount to only 1 percent of gross pay, compared with 8.2 percent in the United States.