Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, panellists, for being here. This panel again is an example of the choice this committee has to make, and the different perspectives we're trying to weigh and analyze to come up with some report to Parliament.
I understand everyone is passionate in their positions and obviously believes the veracity and credibility of them. On one hand, we have Mr. Burns here, and other members that have appeared before the committee, saying how important this would be for job creation in Canada, how important it would be for our economy, and how important it would be for certain sectors. Then, on the other hand, we have Brigette, Kevin, Doug, and Anna here, saying this would not be good for Canada for the reasons you've eloquently explained. It is a dilemma we have.
I don't want people to think it's just big corporations against Canadians, because it isn't. We've heard from small family farms that think this would be a good deal. In my riding, I've heard from small and medium-sized enterprises and family-run businesses that want to be able to ship their goods and ship their products into new markets. It's a big choice we have to make, but I want to make sure we characterize it as the choice it really is. It's a choice between competing interests. All the interests on all sides are equally valid, so we have to make sure not to mischaracterize what that dichotomy is. I want to make sure we're all aware of that, because it's a big trade deal. There's a lot in it, and it affects, I think, every Canadian. I'm glad you guys are here to add your input and your insight into that.
I have a couple of questions. Mr. Burns, you indicated that you think these new markets would be beneficial to what it is that you do. Can you explain to me what sort of barriers are there today, why you can't access those markets now, and why this deal is necessary for you to be able to do that?