I have argued that the idea that the FTA will bring jobs and assure prosperity to Honduras is not a substantiated claim. Indeed, the idea that Canadians can help the most needy people in Honduras through this FTA is a public relations message, nothing more. Moreover, an FTA would provide international legitimacy to a political regime and economic model that is oligarchic, oppressive, and unjust. There are other more effective ways in which Canada could contribute to poverty alleviation, human security, and environmental sustainability in that part of the world, which we could discuss.
That leaves the question of the Canadian interest in an FTA. Since I am out of time, I address that in point form. This FTA does not serve any substantial or strategic Canadian interest. Trade and investment flows are small. To understand the minuscule proportions, Canadian merchandise exports to Honduras are less then one in 10,000 of the total to all countries. I hope I got that calculation correct.
Yes, there are business interests in Canada that would benefit from an FTA, but there are strong reasons why further entanglement with such a troubled and conflicted regime may hurt larger Canadian interests over time. For example, if the FTA encourages additional flow of Canadian mining capital to Honduras, it is almost a certainty that Canadians will be pulled into violent and conflictive situations in that country. More probably, Canada's role in the world, supposedly based on adherence to principles of democracy and good governance, will be tarnished by even closer partnering with a regime that so clearly does not adhere to them.
Thank you very much.