With respect to the recession and the contraction of the U.S. market, I referred to it earlier, to the fact that our share...at least “share” is not the only way or perhaps the best way to measure your market.... But our competitiveness in the U.S. market is certainly under some pressure.
Given Canada's heavy dependence on trade, the way I like to express it is that Canada represents 0.05% of world population and 2.6% of world trade, and the difference between those two numbers is our high standard of living. So clearly, diversification is still job two, but it is increasingly important. The risk is our heavy reliance in this economy, a developed country with only 34 million consumers.... If you're only producing for the Canadian market, you're probably finished for the year at some time in March. We need world markets.
With respect to the signals we have sent to the world, first of all, the world has noticed that Canada has taken a very aggressive approach in trade, particularly in bilateral trade negotiations. The minister has commented that we are now negotiating with over 50 countries, and there has never been such an active trade negotiation agenda in Canada.
As well, other signals to world markets have also been noticed and commented on in the World Trade Organization report on the activities of members: Canada's unilateral elimination of tariffs on inputs. We've established a tariff-free zone on industrial inputs, reducing the cost for our businesses and making their exports more competitive. That's what I would point to.