Ladies, I won't ask you any questions about Brazilian democracy's 50 shades of grey because I sense a clear unease around that kind of question, but I do want to stay with this subject.
During our recent study on Africa, we found that China's influence on the continent is growing. The same thing is happening in Latin America. According to Radio France internationale, Latin America is the second-largest recipient of Chinese investment after Asia. One of the biggest projects is a $3.6-billion megaport in Peru that will make the transit time from China to Peru just 10 days.
There are also various investments in hydroelectric power. China financed and built the largest hydroelectric plant in Ecuador. In Argentina, the China Gezhouba Group Corporation is building two dams, Condor Cliff and La Barrancosa, along the Santa Cruz River. China has also contributed to Bolivia's energy sector through involvement in hydroelectric power projects there.
Is Canada at all concerned about China's increased presence in Latin America? Plus, given that Canada and Quebec have significant expertise in the hydroelectric sector, shouldn't we intensify our efforts to be present where the Chinese are instead of us?