Evidence of meeting #66 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 indian.
A recording is available from Parliament.
4:45 p.m.
Conservative
Russ Hiebert Conservative South Surrey—White Rock—Cloverdale, BC
Perhaps you could elaborate on some of the businesses that you've done. You said you did resorts—in Punjab, I presume?
4:45 p.m.
As an Individual
No, in Himachal. I had a partner from India. That's why it was easy for me do things, because he was already there. If I'd had to start on my own, I knew it would have been a big hurdle. I'd have to have gone through lots of hurdles.
So yes, I did invest my money. I sold my ancestral property and invested my money with my partner.
4:45 p.m.
Conservative
Russ Hiebert Conservative South Surrey—White Rock—Cloverdale, BC
The same challenges that you've been speaking of in terms of having to pay bribes, do they exist within that same ministry?
4:45 p.m.
As an Individual
In that state, not that much, no. But in the other one, in Punjab....
Unfortunately, I am from Punjab. For my education, I was in boarding school in Himachal. That's why I love that state, and that's why I invested my money there.
4:45 p.m.
Conservative
Russ Hiebert Conservative South Surrey—White Rock—Cloverdale, BC
Mr. Dhesi, I'll give you one last opportunity to make any further comments before I wrap up my time.
4:45 p.m.
President, Pacific Exotic Food Inc.
Well, we have said everything. There is a lot of opportunity between Canada and India, which I reported on in my brief.
The only point is that we can talk, talk, talk as long as we want, but the law is there. Everything is there. The law should be implemented. That agreement should be made with whatever government level the negotiators are at—federal, provincial, or otherwise.
4:45 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rob Merrifield
I think your testimony is actually very valid, and it's something that I think the committee will certainly take heed of. It's one thing to put a law in place, and another thing to make sure it's adhered to. I think that's what you're saying. Laws are there, but they're not adhered to. That's something to consider.
I want to thank you for coming forward. We appreciate your testimony.
That takes us to the end of this segment of our meeting.
We will pause for a minute as we go in camera—
4:45 p.m.
Liberal
4:45 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rob Merrifield
Is this with regard to the witnesses? I'll just say good-bye to them first.
4:45 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rob Merrifield
I want to thank you, Mr. Ghuman and Mr. Dhesi, for your testimony. You've done very well.
Okay, you had a point of order.
4:45 p.m.
Liberal
Wayne Easter Liberal Malpeque, PE
Yes, I did.
I'm wondering why we're going in camera. Is there other committee business other than the motion?
4:45 p.m.
Conservative
Gerald Keddy Conservative South Shore—St. Margaret's, NS
Actually, I do have a point that I want to raise in camera, Wayne.
4:45 p.m.
Liberal
Wayne Easter Liberal Malpeque, PE
That's fine. But really, on a motion, in terms of the one that Gerald put forward, Mr. Chair, I really don't see why we're debating that in camera. I really don't see why.
4:45 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rob Merrifield
I realize that, and that's a point, but not a point of order.
We'll suspend now and go in camera.
[Proceedings continue in camera]