International Trade Committee on Dec. 13th, 2010

[The Chair, Conservative, Lee Richardson]

Yes. NDP-4 says “harmonious and sustainable development”.

[Peter Julian, NDP, Burnaby—New Westminster, BC]

I'm sorry, Mr. Chair, I was looking at the working amendments that were submitted on Friday.

[The Chair, Conservative, Lee Richardson]

Yes.

[Peter Julian, NDP, Burnaby—New Westminster, BC]

There is a new order. I apologize.

[The Chair, Conservative, Lee Richardson]

No, no, I appreciate that. I understand the confusion.

[Peter Julian, NDP, Burnaby—New Westminster, BC]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Conservative, Lee Richardson]

But I also would like to refer you back once again to....

I appreciate your interest in detailing it for the committee, but rather than have you take the time to restructure it so that you can accomplish both, it might be easier just to deal with NDP-3 first. In the event that it doesn't pass, then the question is moot, and we can deal with NDP-4, because it will no longer be in conflict.

That's just a suggestion.

[Peter Julian, NDP, Burnaby—New Westminster, BC]

I think that's wise counsel, Mr. Chair.

[The Chair, Conservative, Lee Richardson]

Thank you.

[Peter Julian, NDP, Burnaby—New Westminster, BC]

So what I will do is submit NDP-3, which is the new NDP-3, different from--

[The Chair, Conservative, Lee Richardson]

Did you want to say anything more about it?

[Peter Julian, NDP, Burnaby—New Westminster, BC]

Well, I haven't actually spoken to it, Mr. Chair. I feel comfortable taking a few moments of the committee's time because we've been so efficient in the first six clauses.

[The Chair, Conservative, Lee Richardson]

Exactly.

[Peter Julian, NDP, Burnaby—New Westminster, BC]

I'm hoping, again, that my Conservative colleagues will engage in this important debate. However, it doesn't appear likely on this amendment, from what I understand from Mr. Trost.

At any rate, this would change the purpose of the agreement, or add to the purpose of the agreement, the taxation transparency. That's clearly what Mr. Laforest and Mr. Guimond have mentioned is a key concern. It's what witnesses have mentioned is a key concern as well, to have taxation transparency added in as a key purpose of the agreement.

Now, who could disagree with that, Mr. Chair? I'm sure all members around the table could agree--

[The Chair, Conservative, Lee Richardson]

We'll give them a chance to let you know.

[Peter Julian, NDP, Burnaby—New Westminster, BC]

--that taxation transparency in this case is something that all members could agree with.

[The Chair, Conservative, Lee Richardson]

Do you want to bet?

Well, let's find out.

Those in favour of NDP-3, please so indicate.

(Amendment negatived)

There you go.

We'll move to NDP-4, Mr. Julian.

[Peter Julian, NDP, Burnaby—New Westminster, BC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Now we have the new NDP-4, which was the old NDP-3.

This would add, in terms of purpose, “harmonious and sustainable development”. Sustainability is a key watchword, I think, in many Canadians' minds, and should be a key watchword in our trade policy around the world.

[The Chair, Conservative, Lee Richardson]

Is there any further discussion on NDP-4?

Those in favour of NDP-4?

(Amendment negatived)

[Martha Hall Findlay, Liberal, Willowdale, ON]

[Inaudible--Editor]...whole new coalition thing happening now?

[The Chair, Conservative, Lee Richardson]

Uh-oh.

[Martha Hall Findlay, Liberal, Willowdale, ON]

Theirs.

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[The Chair, Conservative, Lee Richardson]

Okay, thank you.

We're now on NDP-5.

[Peter Julian, NDP, Burnaby—New Westminster, BC]

[Inaudible--Editor]...the Conservative caucus?

I think you could raise a lot of money. I think a lot of folks would want to see me go--not mentioning any names.