I obviously signed my support, because I feel it's important that we get an understanding of the next steps. What are we going to do with these tariffs still in place?
It was very concerning that the ambassador said there is a 90% chance they might be removed in a year. This is too much uncertainty for all the people we heard from at our committee but also in all our ridings. I believe we need an explanation of the plan.
Some information was brought forward at the industry committee about the collection of tariffs and how much is reaching people on the ground. They are also talking about this issue over there and the fact that the money isn't flowing down, which is exactly what I think we heard from people here at the committee.
The really grave concern is about the shape we'll be in going through another year, potentially, or another six months. What is the hope? Is it that we'll ratify and that the ratification will trigger the removal? We really don't understand the plan, other than the package in place and how it's not meeting the needs of people, which we heard here pretty consistently.
I think it's very important for us to have an understanding. It's not for the trade committee. It's for all these communities, businesses and workers that are impacted. They need to know the plan, and that there is a plan going forward.