As I mentioned earlier, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities is one of the key stakeholders that we consult, and we consult with them regularly. It is not only the minister who is consulting with them. Our chief trade negotiator is in regular touch with the FCM to provide them with the information they need to continue to support a robust and ambitious trade agreement.
As I mentioned, I have met with them on numerous occasions. We are in regular dialogue with the FCM, and it does represent the municipalities across Canada. Sadly, there are some in Canada who are misinformed as to the impact a trade agreement with the EU would have on the ability of municipalities to contract.
Let's face it, municipalities are facing very significant financial challenges. Taxpayers in municipalities are finding themselves squeezed more and more because of the costs of running municipal governments. An ambitious trade agreement with the European Union will assist in providing more competition in terms of providing value for money for the various contracts municipalities have to enter into on an ongoing basis. In other words, it makes the playing field more competitive because it provides better value for municipalities right across our country.
I would also point out that it is a two-way street. You have to understand that Canada's procurement market is relatively small when you actually compare it to the EU. In fact, it is estimated that the government procurement market in the EU is somewhere in the order of $2.3 trillion. If we make the assumption that Canadian companies are fierce competitors, and compete with the very best, why wouldn't we as a government open up those new opportunities for Canadian businesses to be successful, and drive Canada's long-term prosperity?