International Trade committee  I might add a quick anecdote. I was in Colombia in February, outside of Bogata, at a social event at which there were a number of members of Canadian companies, Canadian embassy staff, as well as a large number of Colombians, some whom are advisors to either members of the government or to ministers.

International Trade committee  The answer is no. Ecopetrol, which is a state-owned company, has a relationship with the Colombian military. Ocensa has a relationship with the Colombian military in two areas. When right-of-way has to be investigated, it's mandatory for security reasons that the area be swept by the military first, before personnel, workers of Ocensa or contractors, can go on-site to investigate, for the obvious reasons of land mines and other security issues.

International Trade committee  I'll be glad to tackle this first. I actually have copies of the most recent polling information that we've been able to obtain through the Gallup affiliate in Colombia, the polling organization. Mr. Uribe currently has a 79% favourable rating; he's actually down from 82% earlier.

International Trade committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, and committee members. Enbridge welcomes the opportunity to be in front of you this afternoon on this subject. I'd like to begin my presentation with a brief overview of our company before turning to a specific discussion about environmental impacts and human rights concerns in connection with a free trade agreement between Canada and Colombia.