French Embassy in Canada tweeted that the French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault is in Ottawa Wednesday to meet the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Other than Ottawa, Jean-Marc Ayrault is scheduled to visit Toronto, Montreal and Quebec. During his visit March 13 to 16, the prime minister is likely to discuss a wide range of issues including its military mission in Mali.

According to a report by New York Times Tuesday, France has told its fellow United Nations Security Council members that the French government will introduce a resolution this month that would authorize to replace its military mission in Mali fighting against the rebels in the country.

This is Jean-Marc Ayrult's first visit to the country since his election as the prime minister of France last May.

"The visit will provide an opportunity for both leaders to discuss matters of shared interest, including the global economy, trade and investment, progress towards a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with theEuropean Union, and international matters such as the situation in Mali," said Stephen Harper in a press release after scheduling the meeting last month.

The two prime ministers will also discuss issues such as Canada-France trade and the free trade deal between Canada and the European Union.

According to the Canadian Press, Canadian civil society groups Monday wrote a letter to the French prime minister expressing their opposition against the investor protection chapter which authorizes firms to file lawsuit against governments over restrictive policies.

Urging the federal government to make the free trade deal with Europe quickly, Jayson Myers, who heads the manufacturers and exporters group in the country told the Canadian Press that the deal would take time to be tabled.

Jayson Myers said that the deal is likely need to be signed by the Canadian provinces and the European Union members even after the deal is made.

Myers pointed out that it would likely take several months and even years.

Apart from meeting with his Canadian counterpart, the French prime minister will meet with Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Premier Pauline Marois of Quebec. 

To contact the editor, e-mail: