Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you to both witnesses for very cogent and well-informed perspectives.
I want to go over a summary of the high points. Canada already has free trade agreements with all four countries that are members of the Pacific Alliance. All four members of the Pacific Alliance already have free trade agreements with themselves. Four of the five countries are already participating in the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Many editorialists in the Spanish-speaking world, including El Tiempo, have noted that this alliance covers countries that are ideologically very similar.
We know that in 2007, talks in the Pacific Alliance were aborted because of ideological reasons that pushed Nicaragua and Ecuador to leave the table.
The assistant deputy minister, speaking for the department, testified here a few weeks ago. In her document she noted that these four countries are strong proponents of economic openness, and they are among Canada's most like-minded partners in the region.
I think it's a fair comment to say that when we say “like Canada”, what we mean is that all five countries occupy the right side of the political spectrum.
Professor Macdonald, you've said that we don't stand to gain much in economic terms. We've learned that 90% of the goods and services among the Pacific member countries were slated to be tariff free April 1. It excludes Brazil, which is the economic powerhouse of the region.
Is this about economics, or is this about politics?