During our trip to Colombia, we were told that trade-unionists' murders had increased in the past few years and that, out of 61 members of Congress, 31 were in jail and 30 others were being investigated in connection with activities of the paramilitaries. As far as I'm concerned, this is a clear sign of a political crisis. Furthermore, we have heard of US companies-- not Canadian so far--being associated with o paramilitary groups and having contributed to the displacement of 3 to 4 million people. This was discussed during the previous meetings of the Committee.
I would like to hear your comments about this as well as about corporate social responsibility. How do you think corporate social responsibility will apply in the context of an agreement with Colombia? Do you believe that this principle should be included in the free-trade agreement or in a chapter of the agreement?