Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Minister, I want to begin by congratulating you on your presentation and the work you're doing. This is exceptional for Canada, but is also essential for Canadian businesses and for Canadians.
As you clearly pointed out, beyond the free trade agreement itself, it is the influence that such an agreement can have on other countries and the values that it can transmit on a global scale that are of great importance.
The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the EU has been very beneficial, with the EU eliminating tariffs on 98% of its tariff lines. This was felt especially in the fisheries sector. Nova Scotia fishers, especially lobster fishers, are very happy with that.
If we now turn to the Mercosur bloc, how would a free trade agreement benefit Nova Scotia's fishing industry? This agreement could also be very beneficial to the province.