Evidence of meeting #65 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 pulses.
A recording is available from Parliament.
5:20 p.m.
Professor and Director, School for International Studies, Simon Fraser University
It's difficult to do what with regulations? What was the word?
5:20 p.m.
NDP
Annick Papillon NDP Québec, QC
Do you think it is difficult, almost impossible, to apply the law that is in effect?
5:20 p.m.
Professor and Director, School for International Studies, Simon Fraser University
Again, we have to recognize that there has been a very strong feeling among Indian policy-makers and politicians that we, on our side, in countries like Canada, are using environmental regulations as a means of protecting ourselves. India's approach, in talks on climate change, has reflected this rather deep-seated sense of being subject to imperialist kinds of pressures.
There is a historic sort of resistance to environmental regulation, and certainly the implementation of environmental regulations is extremely difficult. It's one thing for the central government in India to enact legislation, but whether or not that legislation is actually implemented by state governments is another question.
On the other hand, there is increasing recognition within India of the importance of environmental questions, and I think there are actually opportunities for Canadian companies that have to do with the development of clean technologies and so on to enter into, for example, joint ventures with Indian firms. I've actually had two students from my department at SFU work with a British Columbian company in Mumbai along with Indian companies on clean technology.
So I have a two-sided answer. There are opportunities, but recognize that there are severe constraints.
5:20 p.m.
NDP
Annick Papillon NDP Québec, QC
I see.
According to the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, 94% of the jobs in India are in small enterprises and it is difficult to impose standards.
Do you think India has the ability to enforce strict labour and environmental standards?
I could take the example of regulations on the use of asbestos, since not so long ago, Canada was the second largest exporter of asbestos to India.
5:25 p.m.
Professor and Director, School for International Studies, Simon Fraser University
Of the Indian labour force, 93% are employed in the informal sector. So people in informal sector jobs have no protection, they have very little job security. In that context the other 7% who are in good jobs where they do have protection are under quite a lot of pressure. So I think there are huge difficulties in the implementation of labour law.
India has a whole panoply of labour laws but their implementation is of course extremely problematic. The fact that it has been possible for employers to greatly increase the use of contract labour precisely to avoid protective labour legislation over the last decade is an indication of that.
5:25 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rob Merrifield
Thank you very much.
On behalf of the committee I'm going to ask a couple of questions. Our time has just about gone, and I want to thank you for being here.
Last year the two-way trade with India was $5.3 billion. The two Prime Ministers indicated that by 2015 they wanted to move that up to $15 billion. Is that achievable?
5:25 p.m.
Professor and Director, School for International Studies, Simon Fraser University
Yes.
5:25 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rob Merrifield
We had testimony earlier this week saying that perhaps a fast, shallow deal would be better than a more comprehensive deal that takes a lot longer. What's your opinion on that?
5:25 p.m.
Professor and Director, School for International Studies, Simon Fraser University
I think $15 billion by 2015 is extremely optimistic for all the reasons I've touched on in different points.
On fast and shallow rather than protracted and deep, I think it's going to be very difficult for us to conclude anything other than a shallow agreement. So maybe recognize that and get on with it and do it and build from there rather than saying let's work this out in detail at this point.
5:25 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rob Merrifield
Very good. Thank you very much.
Thank you for your contribution to the committee. I appreciate that very much. I also want to thank you for getting up so early in the morning to be part of our work here. I hope you have a great day.
This meeting is adjourned.