Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to address the issue of adjustments at the border, particularly import tariffs. I was recently reading a report of the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy, which said that adjustments at the border would be extremely costly for the Canadian economy.
As my colleague said a little earlier, three bills are being studied, including two which would impose important tariffs. One bill would apply these tariffs beginning in 2012—I stand to be corrected, however—and the other one would begin imposing them in 2030. That's one thing. In the meantime, Europe is discussing import duties, which the European Commission seems to support. That greatly concerns me. In fact, on Monday, the Premier of Quebec talked about this. Please understand that one-third of Canadian exports to Europe come from Quebec. Discussions are fairly advanced on a free trade agreement between Canada and Europe, which would increase Canadian exports to the old continent by 20%.
Is there not a risk that Canadian companies would incur additional costs if we do not commit to serious greenhouse gas reductions? Do you believe that an import tax would be detrimental to both the Quebec and Canadian economies, which seek to significantly increase their access to the European market over the coming years? If the agreement is signed, it could boost the Canadian economy by $12 billion.
My question is for both witnesses.