Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I'd like to thank our guests for coming today, and certainly in the case of Mr. Plunkett for providing additional information and guiding us through the free trade agreement with Panama.
It's rather interesting. We talked a little earlier about U.S. elections and the impact on the U.S. trade deal with Panama. From my perspective, I tend to be more of a “homer”--frankly, I look at Canada's advantage more than anybody else's in the rest of the world as it relates to our deals with countries. If we get a strategic advantage by being ahead of other markets in a country like Panama, or for that matter any country, I say we should take advantage of that.
I was looking at some of the statistics, and something struck me as interesting; I think it's worth mentioning. Right now we have a balance of trade advantage that is almost two to one in terms of our exports versus imports in Panama. Secondly, I see, with great interest, that the largest exporter from Canadian provinces is Quebec--good for them--with Ontario being right behind. I think that's good for us.
I'm trying to get a sense, from your perspective, gentlemen--whoever is the most appropriate person to respond--what you would imagine could be the strategic advantage for Canada getting ahead of the United States in putting our free trade deal into place and getting it done. If we can get this done, to me, that's where the urgency on this may have some potential. We've certainly had this discussion in relation to other countries with which we've passed free trade agreements.
I think the United States is in a bit of flux right now by virtue of their circumstances. But it strikes me that if there is going to be a party that's probably more inclined towards free trade, it might well be the Republicans, with the Republicans now holding the balance of power in the House. What emphasis that gives at this stage, I don't know.
I'd like to get a feeling for what you might feel is the advantage, if any—if there isn't one, please say so—of us getting ahead of the Americans in putting a free trade agreement in place with Panama.