Thank you very much, Chair.
I appreciate the presentations and the fact that you collaborated together. It gives us an opportunity to ask our questions, because we have limited time during this committee meeting.
There's general recognition amongst all committee members, and the vast majority of Canadians, of an appreciation of our relationship with the United States in terms of our economic ties. Especially with NAFTA, it's become very popular. Ever since it was debated earlier on in the House of Commons, it has been a contentious issue. A great deal of education on the importance and the role that NAFTA plays in developing an economic relation has taken place. As well, we have cultural and historical ties.
Post-9/11, there has been a recognition that security is a top-of-mind issue for many Canadians and Americans. So we understand the importance of those issues, and therefore the creation of the SPP came into play. But there's been harsh criticism of the security and prosperity partnership setup. That criticism hasn't necessarily come from Canada, but I've heard and seen it coming from the United States, especially now with a Democratic government.
Initially I want to hear from you if that criticism exists in the United States, and is that something that's been brought to your attention?