Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland spoke at the Automotive Parts Manufacturer's Association annual conference Wednesday with a message about how Canada can take advantage of the changing global economy.
Freeland said the world's democratic countries must work together to strengthen economic ties amongst each other.
"Our allies and our most important companies are already looking at how they can shift their strategic economic dependence from dictatorships to democracies," said Freeland.
She said Canada is ready to seize this opportunity.
"Canada has what the global economy needs," said Freeland. "We have the critical minerals and metals that are essential for everything from cell phones to electric cars. We have the auto workers with the expertise to build the cars and trucks that a green global economy will depend on."
Freeland said by taking advantage of this shift Canada can weather the storm of inflation and recession that is approaching.
"The storm clouds will part, there are brighter days ahead, and when they do, we must be ready, and we will be ready to seize a generational opportunity for Canadians," said Freeland.
Following her speech at the APMA conference, Freeland participated in a conversation with the association and UNIFOR to discuss the government's work to secure new opportunities for automotive workers throughout the country.