When one concentrates on figures, it gives the impression that there is some insensitivity in terms of the solidarity that should exist among all workers, and that's not the impression we want to leave with you. You must know that, above all, we are extremely grateful for the interest and the care you are taking in the Canadian Parliament with respect to the human rights situation in Colombia.
This is a struggle we all have, and it pains me to hear the honourable representative say that we are representing the interests or the way of thinking of the Colombian government. That has never been the case. There is much to be done as far as human rights are concerned, and we have indicated this to the government. We have carried out much action to update labour standards so that everything is in tune with the ILO and there is respect for and protection of the unionists' work and their right to strike. We have been constant in this regard.
We act in solidarity, and we wouldn't want any union member to die. Nevertheless, I would like to point out that with respect to trade agreements, some brothers and sisters have devoted themselves to leaving a false image in the international community that the country is a place where the murder of union members is a government policy. This is not the case. This is what we want to make clear here.
We would like to kindly request that you approve the trade agreement with Colombia as a way of creating jobs in our country and as a way of improving labour conditions. We will cooperate with you to improve the human rights situation and the labour situation in Colombia.