I am delighted to have you here with us today. You have clarified a number of points regarding shipbuilding. We previously heard from Mr. Plunkett, a DFAIT director general, who is currently working on international trade policy. He told us that consultations have been underway with shipbuilders since as far back as early 1990. You can check that in the transcript of his testimony. He said that there did not appear to be too much disagreement about this Agreement, that it did not present any significant problem, and that it would not necessarily have a negative impact.
The Free Trade Agreement with the States of the European Free Trade Association provides for a 15-year phase-out period. There is also a 10-year phase-out period for certain sensitive products. This will give the sector the chance to adapt and become more competitive at an international level. We asked these witnesses whether an economic analysis had been carried out. They replied that no official analysis had been undertaken, although a number of consultative meetings had been held.
If this agreement were to be signed, the government would have to support you over a 15-year period so that you can adapt and become more competitive. What sort of programs or interventions would be needed in order to do this?