Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States Committee on April 29th, 2021

[Jean Simard]

I think it's a great idea.

I believe there's a joint agreement between the U.S. and Canada on critical materials that was announced. We share most of the same minerals or materials on both the European and the U.S. list. Canada's list of 32 or 33 critical minerals is quite the same. We have trade agreements with the U.S. and Europe. It's like a magic thread to grow our way out of China in a very strategic part of our economies for the future.

We can work with the U.S., and we've shown it in the past with part of the U.S. military and technology industrial base. We have 50 years of history working together in highly strategic undertakings with research and development related to the aerospace program. I see no reason we wouldn't be able to do something very constructive and something that would bring us back together, looking at the needs of our joint economy for the future.

[The Chair, Liberal, Raj Saini]

Thank you, Mr. Cannings.

Looking at the time, members, it looks like we will have to stop at the first round because today we have scheduled some committee business, as you know.

On behalf of the committee, Mr. Simard and Mr. Kennedy, we want to thank you very warmly for coming here and illuminating us on the issues that are important to your industries and to the Business Council.

Have a great weekend.

Members, you can now go onto the other link.

Thank you.

[Proceedings continue in camera]