Talks between Merkel and Harper, finance report positive

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has won over German Chancellor Angela Merkel in his attempt to conclude one of the biggest trade deals since NAFTA.

In a report by the Globe & Mail, Merkel promised to quickly complete talks on an ambitious Canada-European Union trade deal.

She also praised Canada's economic record both domestically and internationally. Merkel also pledged that Germany will continue to do all it can to maintain the Euro. The pressure is there to take a harder line on Eurozone members who are seen as not living up to the promises of austerity to maintain the currency.

Meanwhile the news is good for Canada as the country maintained its AAA ranking on Moody's annual report on government finances.