Thank you, Mr. Chair.
The NDP supported the introduction of the general preferential tariff regime, and we continue to support it; however, our amendment would require the government to report to Parliament any proposed changes to the list of countries that are subject to the general preferential tariff rate and the reasons for removing any country from that list. The Conservatives have raised the tariffs on thousands of goods from 72 countries in this budget implementation act, and will of course raise the cost on Canadians who are paying for everyday goods by over $300 million.
Our amendment would bring some transparency and accountability to prevent this in the future. If their cost for basic day-to-day goods are going to be increased, Canadians significantly have a right to expect some basic transparency and accountability from their government. That is the proposal contained in this amendment.