In the case of the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the United States, the overriding objective is to foster the free flow of goods between the two countries. The fact remains that standards are different in some cases. We then must ensure that animal diseases present in the United States do not spread to Canada. Therefore, sometimes the agency will move to restrict the free flow of certain products. Generally speaking, when we are dealing with standards, and with a country such as the United States, our role, first and foremost, is to facilitate the movement of goods.
On May 3rd, 2007. See this statement in context.