I guess from your perspective and that of investors, Canada--the last time I read so--is doing rather well in terms of attracting investment. Some would say there are some concerns about over-investment, if I can use that word, in terms of who's coming in, and there are some concerns about foreign investment and takeover.
Clearly we don't have a concern about investment, and that's not what this is about. I think there's been some clarification for all of us in terms of what this means. It's not about encouraging investment per se. It's about a place where you can arbitrate and have clear rules and a space to do that. Is that fair enough to say?
To play the other side of this issue, can you make the argument for why we should have to give up some sovereignty? You might not agree with that term. I know the government in its presentation said there are numerous reasons to support Canada's adherence to the convention, and one of the points was that it would contribute to reinforcing Canada's image as an investment-friendly country.
Well, the last time I checked, I didn't know we weren't that friendly. I didn't know that was a problem with regard to the amount of investment coming into the country, so that's a fair point to put forward. So I'd say okay, make the argument for why this is necessary. I'm sure you have a different perspective based on who you represent.
The second issue is that there are those who might say, well, that's fine for you and the group that you represent, but what about everyday Canadians who like things being dealt with here on our own terrain, in our own system, and not in Washington or at the World Bank where, quite frankly, we might not have as much reach? And what if things go wrong, etc.?
I'll leave it at that.