I thank the Governor of the Bank of Canada and the senior deputy governor for being here in committee today.
My questions are along the same lines, on exports and the importance of trade. Recently, in your monetary report, you state:
In Canada, uncertain global and domestic economic conditions are delaying the pick-up in exports and business investment, leaving the level of economic activity lower than the Bank had been expecting.
Our government's proactive free trade agenda has led to some exciting prospects and opportunities for the Canadian economy, as demonstrated in the recently announced Canada–EU free trade agreement. How does this impact your consideration of exports and of business investment in Canada? I would imagine free trade deals like this would be very positive.