Each time we're presented with a free trade agreement, we ask for an impact assessment and we're told that this is not possible, that there is no crystal ball with which to predict the future. We know that because of the agreement, our business people and our exporters will sell more products and will probably make more money, but we really don't know what impact it will have. We are merely asking that after five years, an impact assessment be conducted. Then we could gauge the impact on various industries. I think such an exercise is important. If there is no legal requirement to do an assessment, I think people will opt not to do one. There will be the occasional complaint, but the assessment will not get done. So then, this is relevant point. It doesn't mean that changes will be made, simply that possible, desirable changes will be identified. As part of any free trade agreement, it is possible to negotiate changes with the parties. However, this would mean that a report would be produced for internal management purposes. We would consider which changes would be desirable and then, we would go and negotiate with the other country. I don't really see any problem here.
On May 26th, 2009. See this statement in context.