International Trade Committee on Feb. 18th, 2016

[Randy Hoback, Conservative, Prince Albert, SK]

That's fair. Give yourself some time.

One of the concerns we have is time frames, as well as predictability and bankability for our industries so they can make their future plans. With us in a constant phase of consulting, it creates doubt. It makes it look like we're changing our mind on this deal and going backwards on it. There's a danger in that.

There's a strong danger in the investment climate here in Canada for people who look out over two-year, five-year, or ten-year cycles when they look at new product lines and start looking at tooling their manufacturing facilities. Those plans aren't done over six months or a year. They're done over a period of time.

My concern is, what is our timeline to get this legislation into the House so we can ratify it? We see that Japan is going to do it in June. The U.S. is probably going to do it this spring. When are we going to do it? When are we going to show some leadership on it? What's the game plan there?

[David Lametti, Liberal, LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, QC]

Again, this wasn't our agreement or the government's, so we're going to make sure we get to the right answer before we agree—

[Randy Hoback, Conservative, Prince Albert, SK]

It doesn't matter. You can't renegotiate this agreement. You've already signed it as is.

Now, it's fair to consult, and that's great. I have no issue with that. What I do have an issue with is people dragging their feet or using consulting as a way to not make a decision. The data is there. The data's been gathered over a period of time, ever since they started these negotiations, and our stalling is creating problems within our business sector. The Globe and Mail highlighted it today in regard to investors leaving Canada. I am concerned on that end of it that we're stalling too much.

[David Lametti, Liberal, LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, QC]

I don't think we're stalling. There are a lot of corners of this agreement that haven't been studied properly. Quite frankly, that comes up clearly when you begin to consult.

We're not stalling. We understand the importance of moving as quickly as we can, but we also understand the importance of getting the agreement right.

We're not stalling. We're moving as quickly as we can.

[Randy Hoback, Conservative, Prince Albert, SK]

I have one last question. The extractive sector hasn't been mentioned at all. You guys have not mentioned consulting—

[David Lametti, Liberal, LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, QC]

We have consulted with forestry and with mining. We have, and we will continue to do so, and by all means, you should invite....

[The Chair, Liberal, Mark Eyking]

Thank you.

We have a question from Mr. Peterson.

[Kyle Peterson, Liberal, Newmarket—Aurora, ON]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I have a quick question about the sort of process that's going on. I know that the ministry has done a lot of consultation. There was some done last year, which I know is going to be part of the body of knowledge that's reviewed.

How do you see this role going forward and perhaps dovetailing with the work of this committee? This committee is obviously going to do some consulting and hear from other witnesses as we go along. How do you see the ministry and the committee working together?

At the end of the day, this committee is going to have to write a report to Parliament. How are we going to get the information that is the result of your consultations into our report? How do you see that taking place?

[David Lametti, Liberal, LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, QC]

We're here to work with you, obviously, but ultimately you are 10 different MPs from 10 different parts of the country. You have your constituencies and your concerns and you have to be raising them in front of the other nine, and you have to draft a report collectively.

I think that as a government, as a ministry, we will deliberate as well, obviously, and we're consulting as well, obviously, but I think it's fair to say there's a sort of macro level to what we're doing, and hopefully there will be dovetailing there as we go along.

[The Chair, Liberal, Mark Eyking]

Thank you.

I think we'll probably have some time with the minister somewhere down the road to talk further.

Thank you, Parliamentary Secretary.

We're going to go in camera now, folks.

[Proceedings continue in camera]