Thank you.
Ms. McFarlane, you have spoken a great deal about the number of problems related to violence in Colombia. We know very well that the long-term effect of a free trade agreement is to help people to come together. Since Canada is a peaceful country, it is possible that the mere fact of dealing with Canadians may make Colombians more peaceful over the long haul, because there will be more and more trade.
Mr. Miranda said something quite remarkable. He said that trade unionists are literally hunted in Colombia. If I have properly grasped the country's history, the trade unionists started out with the FARC. They are not any more, for various reasons. Perhaps the government is anti-union, but the unions have supported the FARC for a very long time.
Would a free trade agreement not be a good opportunity to ease tensions? The country's economy would be improved. If we halt this agreement with Colombia, as you are requesting us to do, there is a danger of putting unions and workers in jeopardy. There is even a danger of some families and plants going bankrupt.
I would like to hear your opinion about that.