Former Liberal minister for international trade Pierre Pettigrew has been named a special envoy of the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.

A statement from Global Affairs Canada said the creation of this position reflects the high priority that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government places on seeing the deal done.

"Mr. Pettigrew's deep understanding of Europe, trade and business will be instrumental in getting CETA signed this year and ratified in 2017," International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland said in the statement. "He brings with him a lifetime of international experience and a profound dedication to public service."...

This has been excerpted from the 24 August 2016 edition of CBC News.