International Trade Committee on Nov. 19th, 2009

[Ron Cannan, Conservative, Kelowna—Lake Country, BC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I feel the love and I appreciate it, Mr. Cannis.

I have sat here attentively and listened for almost the last hour and a half and at numerous other meetings on the specific issue of Canada-Colombia. I had the good pleasure to travel with some of my colleagues to Colombia just over a year ago. It was definitely an eye-opening experience, and an honour to have the opportunity to meet a president of a country who is so highly respected.

He came to Canada and sat in front of a committee. I think it's the first time a head of state has ever sat in front of a committee to answer, head on, any questions. He's not afraid to answer anything. I really admire leadership. Whatever you believe from a political perspective, it speaks highly of the gentleman who's trying to reform the country.

There's one observation I have. Connie Watson is a CBC reporter, the Latin American correspondent, who travelled with us one day when we went to the rural area and saw first-hand some of the poverty and almost inhumane situations people are living in. And speaking with the individuals with the UN there and asking whether they thought this is the right direction or keep the status quo, the consensus all across was that a rising tide lifts all boats to give them an opportunity and give them a chance to better themselves.

I just ask you, gentlemen, in closing, then, sitting here today, in my position—and I heard the words “missed opportunity”—what closing comments would you like to reiterate to this committee as we try to get this through? As a taxpayer and a citizen, I just sit here appalled at the waste of time and money, and we see the opportunities for Canadian businesses to create jobs and stimulate the economy not only here but globally in this global economic crisis. Maybe you can help us further this and move the ball over the goal line.

Thank you.

[David Stewart-Patterson]

If I may, I think there are two parts to that answer. The first is, why do we need to do this for Canadians? I think in that sense, again, it's important to move ahead with Canada-Colombia free trade not simply because of the benefits of that single agreement with that single partner but because we live in an era where multilateral trade talks, while they might be preferable, haven't been going anywhere. That's why Canada and other countries around the world have kind of chosen to focus their efforts on bilateral deals, because at least they're manageable and we can get things done. I think it's important for Canada, for our own benefit, to carry on getting things done in terms of improving opening up our trade investment relationships with other partners around the world.

I think it's important strategically, at a time, as I said, when our major export market, the United States, is facing some serious medium-term challenges. And I think that gives Canadians an extra incentive: if we care about Canadian workers, Canadian jobs, and Canadian incomes, we need to be doing everything possible to open up other markets around the world, and particularly developing markets because those are the ones that are going to be growing fastest in the years ahead.

But in terms of the Canada-Colombia free trade deal, I think it is also important to do this for Colombians. It is important for us to do that to recognize the progress that the country has made. It is important for us to do that to reinforce that progress and to ensure that the well-being of Colombians continues to improve in the years ahead. I think Canadians have a proud track record of engagement in the developing world. We have helped other countries and the people in other countries advance themselves and their well-being. I think it's particularly important for us to do that in practical terms and in symbolic terms, as well, by quick passage of this agreement.

[Jean-Michel Laurin]

In closing, I would just add that I think timing is of the essence in this case. There are tremendous economic challenges faced by Canadians because of this recession and because of the crisis that's being faced by some of our leading sectors. There are also some economic challenges that are significant for Colombians.

I think we have a very interesting, very unique opportunity to try to address some of those challenges by passing this trade agreement. I would urge all parties to ratify it as soon as possible, because that's one significant way to try to improve the situation, not only for Canadian workers and Canadian businesses but also for our Colombian partners.

Thank you.

[The Chair, Conservative, Lee Richardson]

Okay.

In closing, I think we'll leave the last word to Mr. Holder.

You have two minutes.

[Ed Holder, Conservative, London West, ON]

Thank you very much.

Again, thank you, guests, for your thoughtful comments; extremely helpful.

I've reflected on everything that everyone has said. Fundamentally, irrespective of some ideologies, let me say that I believe that all of us, whatever way we define it, want to do the right thing--whatever way we define that. We can argue or debate on degrees of right.

I guess I'd like to leave you with a thought, and it goes back to something Mr. Stewart-Patterson said: this helps the people of Colombia. Violence has dropped and education has increased.

Frankly, it strikes me that we can take one of two options. What's the alternative here? We can either shun them and say, you know, as far as we're concerned, we're going to put them over there until they “get it”. But I think that sense of isolationism is dangerous for them. I think that makes it worse for human rights and for raising the standards and quality of living in that country.

But I would also bring it home. I mean, if we care about our farmers, if we care about our miners, if we care about our workers here in this country relative to this global recession, if we care about trying to do the best thing that's right for Canada as well, this just seems so obvious. I hope we ultimately figure that out. I don't know what I would say to my voters and what anyone else would say to their voters if we didn't say we cared.

I guess that wasn't a question. It was just a statement.

Thank you for your time.

[The Chair, Conservative, Lee Richardson]

Thank you, Mr. Holder.

Do our witnesses have a final comment? No.

Well, thank you again. It's always helpful and useful to see you. We may see you yet again on this matter, and I'm sure on others.

Thank you for your appearance today.

With that, gentlemen, we're adjourned.