Mr. Speaker, could the hon. member perhaps share his views with the House with respect to the importance of ensuring environmental standards within the framework of trade agreements?
I recall that at the first summit of the Americas in Miami in 1994 one of the commitments made was to strengthen the protection of biodiversity within the hemisphere. That was seven years ago and I am not aware of any steps that have been taken within the context of the summit of the Americas, free trade of the Americas negotiations or anything else.
Could the hon. member indicate to us what there is within the context of the current negotiations on the FTAA that would in any way strengthen the protection of the environment throughout the hemisphere, an objective which I know he shares?