Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Good morning, gentlemen.
I can see we have a diverse group of witnesses today. We have representatives from the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. I am sure you do not agree on some issues or points of view. However, in 2005, the objectives of the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America were to establish an approach based on cooperation, to design a common security strategy and to stimulate economic growth, competitiveness and quality of life.
In order to promote economic growth and competitiveness, important measures were considered such as increasing productivity, reducing the cost of doing business, enhancing common stewardship of the environment and facilitate agricultural trade. On the latter issue, it should be noted that countries agreed to consult the stakeholders, including the business community, State governments, municipalities and NGOs.
I want to know how the consultation process is proceeding, who is really taking part in it and, if it has not yet been started, when it will be.