As far as we are concerned, Mr. Lebel, Conservative or Liberal governments are not the issue. We do not systematically oppose free trade agreements. I want you to understand that. What we do say, however, is that trade agreements must respect human rights, labour rights and the environment, and especially, not prevent governments from legislating to preserve what is generally referred to as the common good.
That is our point of view. We consider that these agreements give far too much power to multinationals. They are being allowed to get around all of the rules we have given ourselves as a society. I am referring to charter 11 and the following ones in the North American Free Trade Agreement. These provisions are beyond the pale because they may jeopardize other rights, you see.
We say yes to free trade, but it has to be controlled. It must respect the social rights I have just listed. I said earlier that our members were from the private sector. A free trade agreement is not a panacea. The economic environment is completely different from the one that existed when the first free trade agreement was signed with the United States. Business competition is at a whole new level. Several phenomena are emerging. The combination of all these elements mean that today we are facing enormous competition, and we have to fight with the market every day and win to keep our jobs. As a union, we do not only focus on working conditions, but also on jobs. The new environment is forcing us to work on another level.
Of course free trade agreements are important. But beyond the labour market, there are social rights that appear to us to be fundamental, and they must be preserved.
That is our vision, and the principles that guide us in building the fairest and most cohesive society possible.