Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States committee  Yes. I don't want to tell you it's a bad idea, but I won't tell you it's a good idea either. Over the years, I confess I've become cynical about structural solutions. I think structures are things you create when you don't know what else to do, and they don't necessarily solve the problem.

Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Oliphant. Let me begin by saying that having worked in Congress for 20 years and then serving in the Clinton administration and then in the private sector, I've seen this issue from multiple angles. I can tell you with confidence that your government—regardless of which party is in power at the moment—and your embassy have done an absolutely superb job over the years in providing the United States Congress with exactly the information you're talking about.

Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States committee  That's a good question. It's still a little too soon to say, partly because, as those of you who work with tax legislation know, the devil is in the details. There's no legislation yet; there's only a concept, so it's a little hard to say. I think the effect would fall largely on American multinational companies that have already offshored their production.

Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States committee  You're not referring to the proposal he just made to the OECD; you're referring to the proposal in his legislation. Is that fair?

Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States committee  I think the answer would be “not yet”, but I wouldn't lose hope. I think it's too soon to say where they'll come out on a number of these issues. Most of these things are under review. I can't speak to Keystone. That was not an issue we have done any work on. I'm a trade person.

Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States committee  His intention is clearly to develop a coalition and a common approach towards China, and Canada would be an integral part of that. My understanding of their views on China is that they intend to take the next year, essentially, building the kind of coalition you're talking about.

Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Thank you for the opportunity to testify. It's an honour to appear before this committee. I'm testifying in my personal capacity and expressing my own views. The United States is currently entering a stage when buy American is likely to play a greater role in federal government policy, and for three reasons, I do not see immediate relief for those who oppose that.