International Trade committee  That is an excellent question. However, this morning, I'm not able to tell you, point blank, what we should reconsider.

International Trade committee  First, I think we should reach out to companies and make them aware that there are business opportunities. Let us not forget that there are a number of potential clients in their own backyards, but there are many more when we look around the world. We have also been having a lot of meetings for some time, particularly with the Quebec government, which is developing an export strategy.

International Trade committee  Thank you. It is true that I did not mention aviation in my speech, but it is an extremely important part of our exports, in Quebec. To date, the first concern we have is clearly the capacity to support our industry in Canada. If we go by the news in recent weeks, which will continue in the coming months, we know that this will inevitably depend on the government's decision on the Bombardier C Series aircraft.

International Trade committee  The strength of the federation and its network lies in its presence across Quebec and in representing a lot of businesses, in all major sectors of the economy. Our contribution is making the network of chambers available to the federal government so that it can reach out to businesses.

International Trade committee  The reality is that many companies forget that their first exporting experience should be in the Canadian market. We know that companies that deal with neighbouring provinces often improve, allowing them to better tackle markets in other countries. This is the first aspect. There is a second aspect.

International Trade committee  Take the Canada-Korea free trade agreement, for example. It was signed almost three years ago. A number of companies are still not very familiar with the terms and conditions of this agreement. The agreement with Europe, which is on the verge of being ratified, is still a mystery for a number of small and medium-sized businesses.

International Trade committee  Do I have 30 seconds? Okay. Thank you. Don't forget that the Canada-European Union comprehensive economic and trade agreement also allows for an additional 17,000 tonnes of imported cheese. The federation is in favour of maintaining the supply management system. In light of the economic significance of the agricultural productions in question and the processing of those products in Quebec, FCCQ member businesses in the agri-food sector are nonetheless satisfied by the terms of the draft TPP as a negotiating position, so long as the federal government follows through on the promise of providing compensation to affected businesses.

International Trade committee  Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair and members of the committee, for inviting us to discuss the TPP with you this morning. The Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec is a group of 140 chambers of commerce and is the most prominent network of business people and companies in Quebec.