Evidence of meeting #3 for International Trade in the 43rd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was agreement.

A video is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Steve Verheul  Chief Negotiator and Assistant Deputy Minister, Trade Policy and Negotiations, Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development
Martin Thornell  Senior Advisor, Tariff and Goods Market Access, Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development
Aaron Fowler  Chief Agriculture Negotiator and Director General, Trade Agreements and Negotiations, Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food

5:40 p.m.

Chief Negotiator and Assistant Deputy Minister, Trade Policy and Negotiations, Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development

Steve Verheul

I don't think I have a lot to say at this point.

I would emphasize with respect to the Canadian economy that we rely heavily on our access to the U.S. market in particular. Some 70% plus of our exports go to the U.S. If we are going to be in a position where we do not have a functioning trade agreement between the U.S. and Mexico, I think that would be a significant hit to our economy.

In my own view, we have a strengthened agreement compared with what we have now, and we have security of access. That is something to be highly valued. I would hope that we would give that careful consideration moving forward.

5:40 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro

Thanks very much to all of you. I appreciate your time today and all that you've done for all of us till now.

The meeting is adjourned.