Very well then. Thank you.
Thank you, Minister, for joining us. Since we are talking about credits, I'd like to broaden the discussion a little. I too have several questions concerning the softwood lumber agreement negotiations. First, however, I'd like to know two things.
Firstly, the International Policy Statement put forward by the former government contained an international trade component. Does this statement still have some merit, or is the Conservative government planning to formulate a new policy on international affairs, one that, obviously, would have an international trade component? If so, how will parliamentarians be involved in the process?
Secondly, you pointed out that protectionism was on the rise in the United States and that throughout the Western world in general, and I might even venture to say, everywhere in the world, people are wary of globalization and market liberalization. This is evident at the WTO. It's not just the protesters who are leery. I'm talking about countries like Brazil and India that are bucking the strong trend that prevailed several years ago. The notion of a Free Trade Zone of the Americas has been completely dismissed, particularly by MERCOSUR. Even NAFTA is being challenged throughout North America, and in Mexico in particular. People are highly distrustful of the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America; they do not understand its full implications.
This brings me to the following question: how transparent will government's and the department's ongoing negotiations at the WTO level with Korea and the countries of Central America actually be? Without wanting to point any fingers, we often feel that we're chasing after information. With respect to services, negotiations are again moving forward. I met with Mr. Gero and put the question to him. That's the response he gave me. It's not that he was unwilling to provide me with an answer. I hadn't had the opportunity to put the question to him.
In my opinion, we need to develop a mechanism with parliamentarians and civil society groups, in order to get a clear picture of what's at stake and of the ongoing negotiations.
The CAW is currently campaigning against a free trade agreement with Korea. They are concerned about the automobile sector. Is their concern justified? I can't answer that question, but no doubt this agreement would adversely affect a number of regions, particularly some in southern Ontario, if it lacked transparency and if the concerns of the public were disregarded.
My other question concerns the legislation to implement the framework agreement with the U.S., as you just alluded to. When I put a question to you in the House about this very subject, you also hinted at a notice of ways-and-means motion. Therefore, provided there is still some time remaining, can you talk to me about these two initiatives and what role they will play?