Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
I have a couple of things. First of all, you should know that I've always been of the opinion that this conversation should be happening at the international trade committee, where they actually deal with international trade and the various treaties that have been signed over time. This is the Canadian heritage committee, and I'd love to be talking about things like the War of 1812, but instead we're here debating the Canada-EU trade negotiations, which I'm sure members are interested in.
I certainly see the incredible importance of signing bilateral trade agreements, not just on things like manufactured goods and obviously other industrial exports, financial or otherwise, but certainly for heritage and cultural exchanges as well. I think everyone here would agree that while we do have a business relationship in the arts with Europe, it could always grow. I think one of the great ways to grow that is to expand our relationship with them.
Notwithstanding all of those things, I really appreciate your appearing here today and providing the presentation you've made.
Could you just tell us, what was the motivation behind ACTA in the first place? Why did we sign this? What are its benefits? How has it worked? Are there things that you would improve? Perhaps you could just give us a little background on these sorts of things.