MONTREAL, QC-Free trade was not only a campaign, but the great economic cause of our time, former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney told an audience in Montreal Thursday.

"My father dreamed of a better life for his family. I dreamed of a better life for my country," Mulroney said as he accepted The Fraser Institute's T.P.Boyle Award for his work in promoting economic freedom.

"And 20 years later, we can say that under free trade, Canadians have built a better life for our country. We have taken the risks, and we share in the rewards. Free trade has created millions of jobs, raised our standard of living, and helped Canada balance our books and pay down the national debt."

The Institute honoured Mulroney for his role in creating the Canada-US Free Trade Agreement. Negotiation of the agreement was completed October 3, 1987.

"Twenty years after the FTA, it is a moment not only to celebrate this achievement, but also to consider where we go from here. It is not enough to look in the rear view mirror, it is time to look at the road ahead," Mulroney said.

Complete text of Mr. Mulroney's remarks