Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Nantais, my questions are for you. I found your testimony very interesting and I thank you for it.
I am the federal member of Parliament for the city of Boisbriand which is located north of Montreal. In my area we know very well that free trade does not necessarily translate into more jobs. As you may know, the only automotive assembly plant in Quebec, which used to employ 3,200 people, closed its doors in 2002, despite all of the promises that went along with the Auto Pact and NAFTA. In your statement you did make it clear that free trade will not necessarily help the workers in my riding.
You also mentioned that European manufacturers want to export more cars to Canada. We already have a relatively high trade deficit with the European Union in the auto and auto parts sector. If I am summarizing your position correctly, this agreement between Canada and the European Union is going to increase Canada's trade deficit regarding autos and auto parts. Is that actually what you said?