Well, Mr. Chair, thank you.
I would like to thank the Canadian Cattlemen's Association. They've been with me in pretty much every city where I've been negotiating trade agreements. It's always a pleasure to have them with us.
They are quite right, Mr. Chair. I mean, one of the benefits of what Canada has achieved is the first-mover advantage. We know that in these markets, in the configuration of the CPTPP, Canada will have first-mover advantage in one of the very important markets for them, which is Japan. Therefore, we are going to proceed.
As you know, the signature date had been set for March 8, in Santiago, Chile. Following that, we will proceed, obviously, with ratification. The ratification process under the CPTPP requires six countries to ratify it, 50% of those that are signatory to the agreement. We understand the importance for the Canadian Cattlemen's Association. We will proceed diligently with your help, the help of the House of Commons, and obviously that of the Senate.