Evidence of meeting #8 for International Trade in the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was korean.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Jim Stanford  Chief Economist, Canadian Auto Workers Union
Gerald Fedchun  President, Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association
Mark Nantais  President, Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association

5:30 p.m.

Chief Economist, Canadian Auto Workers Union

Dr. Jim Stanford

Likewise, sir, as we discussed earlier this afternoon, the agreement has not been ratified. Politically, it doesn't look like it will be ratified. But at any rate, the Americans got a better deal than it looks like Canada will be able to get, even though the implications for their auto industry are less severe than they would be for our industry.

So for all four reasons, the fact that there's a tentative deal sitting on the shelf should in no way be relevant to our trying to push forward to reach a deal here.

5:30 p.m.

Conservative

Ken Epp Conservative Edmonton—Sherwood Park, AB

Okay.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

5:30 p.m.

President, Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association

Mark Nantais

I agree. We're not concerned that Korea is pursuing other agreements with other countries. They're in the midst of it with the European Union right now. It's interesting that the European Union is having the same problem as it relates to their auto industry. Their government, however, is standing out publically supporting their auto industry and trying to address the very concerns that we seem to be incurring here, but doing it much more aggressively in support of their industry.

5:30 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Lee Richardson

Okay. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Epp.

And all of you. I appreciated today. It was good.

We will, unless the House adjourns tomorrow, meet again on Thursday.

I have a couple of quick points of order, I think.

Mr. Bains.

5:30 p.m.

Liberal

Navdeep Bains Liberal Mississauga—Brampton South, ON

Have we run out of time?

5:30 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Lee Richardson

We're out of time.

Mr. Cannan.

5:30 p.m.

Conservative

Ron Cannan Conservative Kelowna—Lake Country, BC

I just wanted to apologize if I offended anybody. I was really personally offended with the comments of my colleague, but I take my job very seriously and work very hard and it wasn't meant to offend anybody. So I apologize.

5:30 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Lee Richardson

I'm sure there are some pretty thick skins around the table, and I was just frankly appreciating your courtesy to not take the time of the committee by having your discussion at the table. You were prepared to move away from the table to continue the discussion. So we'll leave it at that, with that interpretation.

Gentlemen, thank you again.

The meeting is adjourned.