Mr. Speaker, my statement today is about trade agreements. For decades now, Mr. Speaker, trade agreements have been front page news. Back in the 1980s the Canada - U.S. Free Trade Agreement came about, and then evolved to include Mexico, and became NAFTA, North American Free Trade Agreement. Recently, there's passionate talk about the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the Canada-European Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. But Canada is involved in more than three or four agreements, Mr. Speaker. Canada has a history as a trading nation. We are a member of the World Trade Organization. Global Affairs Canada's web page lists trade agreements with more than 15 countries around the world.
Mr. Speaker, whenever there's a Canadian political leader making the case for freer trade, an equal number of loud voices argue against it. It's true that no agreement will be perfect, each will have its pros and each will have its cons. On the plus side is opportunity, economic growth and jobs for Canadians. Since the signing of NAFTA, North America's GDP has doubled and Canada has over four million more jobs. The European Union represents almost $18 trillion in economic activity, and CETA will give Canada preferential access to that market. Bigger markets, more trade, job growth and a higher standard of living, all these are benefits of freer trade.
On the downside, you can't get something without giving something up. To have access to other markets, Canada has to give up access to ours. That can mean job losses in some sectors. Others raise the concern that trade agreements can make it harder for Canada to protect the environment, manage our greenhouse gas emissions, improve our public health care system, or improve agreements with Indigenous Canadians.
The question is not whether there will or won't be trade agreements. As my colleague noted earlier, it's important to be heard nationally and internationally. Mr. Speaker, the question is will we in the NWT raise our voices to protect our own interests? We need to be at the table making our voices heard, ensuring our values are protected in trade negotiations. We need to be actively promoting a made-in-the-North approach in areas that will affect our interests, economy, jobs and way of life. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I'll have questions for the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.