Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I thank the officials for confirming that such a ban would not necessarily lead to results and that it could be circumvented in other ways.
On the other hand, we would send our trade partners a message that their citizens and residents are banned from purchasing residential homes. Once our trade partners decide to take reciprocal action, two things will happen. First, it is not certain this will be limited to two years. Second, it is not certain that it will be limited to underused housing. This could go much further.
I am very concerned about the message we will send them, especially if we have not considered all the aspects of international agreements and non-discrimination agreements Canada has with the United States and with Europe.