Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you all for your presentations.
I want to thank you for sharing your experiences, your concerns, and your hopes, not only regarding this agreement but also in terms of Canada, in general. I think that's what we are all here for, to promote our country to be the best that it can be, and to also offer, internationally, the best opportunities we can.
I will say to Mrs. Neal, who is a grandmother—I'm fortunate right now that I'm not, my daughter is only 20—thank you for the work you have done in Africa. My sister was a victim of AIDS, so I certainly appreciate your work. My sister lived here in Canada. When we look at medication costs and others, we do have those issues here as well.
In terms of small business and farmers, we have heard from a number of groups across the country, and as my colleague from the other side has mentioned, they are groups that represent small business. We have heard from national associations that have talked about businesses in Canada, and 98% of our businesses are small businesses. Across the panels, if there's opposition, it's usually about corporate self-interest. I do want to keep in mind, and keep it in perspective, that most of the businesses we're talking about, and are addressing, and have come to us, are representing small business.
As a teacher for international trade for the last 20 years, one of the things I made mandatory in all of my teaching for business plans—and I've won awards for it—is corporate social responsibility. Outside of the agreements, and any trade agreement, as business people and as Canadians, we have a responsibility to do the best thing, and I think many companies do.
In terms of drug costs, yes, there are significant issues internationally, and your voices are definitely being heard here. We, as a committee, are travelling across the country. The treaty has been signed. The agreement has not been ratified, so your voice and your interest are important here today. If you were able to express a message to the country, what would you put in a communication strategy you would like all Canadians to hear on any of the pros and any of the cons for TPP?
Thank you. That goes to all the panel.