Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for being here today to discuss this matter.
I will make a comment before asking questions.
Since yesterday, we have listened to various witnesses who have told us about “secret” negotiations. I don't think that unions, when they prepare their intervention strategies during election campaigns, do so publicly. When we are negotiating global free trade agreements with 11 other countries, we can't reveal information to the media during the negotiation process and can't refuse to participate. Furthermore, I will soon ask you what the impact would be if Canada was not involved in these negotiations.
Yesterday, we heard from milk producers, UPA producers and representatives from the affected sectors. They told us that they were in Hawaii, that they were in Atlanta, that they had heard what was said and that they had been aware of everything set out in the agreement. In the case of sectors specifically concerned, those people were at the negotiation table.
What do you think the impact would be if Canada did not sign the agreement? We spoke about the fact that trade between Canada and the TPP countries was already 97% tariff-free. The United States is looking for another way to get by. We all know the current situation: an election campaign is under way and protectionism is at the forefront. The United States was trying to renegotiate part of NAFTA through the TPP. You have figures illustrating the impact of participating in the agreement. You surely also have figures on the impact of not participating. What do you, ladies and gentlemen from the union groups—I will talk to the port authority representatives soon—think the impact of not participating in the TPP would be?