Evidence of meeting #46 for International Trade in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was witnesses.
A recording is available from Parliament.
5:20 p.m.
President, Canadian Council for the Americas
Yes, I'd agree with everything that was said. Human rights is one that I'd bring up. Under these military dictatorships, they used to kill political opponents and outlaw organizations. They were tough military dictatorships. Those years are way behind us.
I would agree with the comment that probably the improvements in terms of standard of living have been far better in the cities, even in the smaller cities, than in the countryside. That's more from personal experience. One time I rented a car with my wife and we drove around Panama for about 10 days. It's obvious when you go into the countryside that more needs to be done there, that they're not moving forward at the same pace as those in the cities. In the cities, things are booming, and you can just see people moving from poverty to the middle class.
5:20 p.m.
Conservative
Devinder Shory Conservative Calgary Northeast, AB
When I see these increased trade activities across the globe, I know that we now live in a global village, basically, as far as trade is concerned. From the previous witnesses we heard that Panama is is often referred to as the the gateway to Latin America. We also heard that a Canadian company—Mr. Tilk, your company—is already there, and you told us that a business decision was made in anticipation of this agreement. We also heard that a lot of Canadian companies have indicated that they want to increase their business activity in Panama. The question is, what opportunities will Canada lose as far as business goes? Will we lose any opportunities for jobs or economic growth if we do not pursue this agreement?
5:20 p.m.
President, Canadian Council for the Americas
I think we'd be a bit less competitive than other people, people who have signed agreements. As I say, that includes the U.S, the EU, Colombia, Chile, Costa Rica, and Peru. I'm not sure who else, but—
5:20 p.m.
A voice
Mexico.
5:20 p.m.
President, Canadian Council for the Americas
Yes, they're in that group of countries too, the Pacific Alliance.
5:20 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rob Merrifield
Time has gone, but I do want to thank both witnesses, Mr. Harvey and Mr. Tilk, for being with us. Your testimony was candid and very appreciated.
I will remind the committee that we will have witnesses on Thursday, the department and witnesses on Tuesday, and we'll go into clause by clause and finish clause by clause by Thursday's meeting. That's next week.
Thank you. The meeting is adjourned.