I didn't see today's news, but it is certainly very important for Canada to consult with allies on major purchases. The United States is our closest trading partner and our historic ally.
With the United States in particular, when it comes to critical minerals, there are a few essential issues. One is that the United States takes a very broad view of what national security is or isn't, and it takes the position that threats to domestic industry represent national security threats. For that reason, it is very important for Canada to ensure that any sales or major transactions that we're engaged in with other partners aren't in any way going to jeopardize that relationship.
The other piece that's really important in this case is around the rule of origin in autos, because we have an integrated auto supply chain. The United States, in particular, has interests in how that supply chain is developing as electric vehicle batteries are developed.
It is really important that Canada consult with the United States on these issues. We don't know the extent to which that did or didn't occur in the case of this particular sale.