Industry Canada's mandate is to help make Canada more productive and competitive in the global, knowledge-based economy. In this regard the department is responsible for a broad range of sectoral and framework policies, programs and services. Canada has long been a trading nation and Industry Canada has always taken a leadership role within government in helping to secure market access for Canadian industry. More recently, the process of globalization has resulted in a growing number of government policy areas (traditionally considered as "domestic policy" fields) now being the subject of international discussion, cooperation and negotiation. Industry Canada is an active participant in these discussions.