Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
At this time, I would like to move the motion, for which I gave notice on December 4.
It reads as follows:
That the committee recognize:
(1) the longstanding cultural, familial, political and economic connections between Canada and the people of both the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom;
(2) the important role played by Canada in negotiating the Good Friday Agreement and in ensuring the commitments laid out in the treaty were implemented;
(3) that the decision by the United Kingdom to leave the European Union could affect the Good Friday Agreement and the provisions in it regarding the border between the Republic of Ireland and the UK, and;
That the committee calls on the government to ensure that any post-Brexit trade deal between Canada and the United Kingdom be consistent with the principles of the Good Friday Agreement, and;
That the committee report this motion to the House and, pursuant to Standing Order 109, request that the government table a comprehensive response to the report.
I'm sure many members of the committee know and understand the deep connection between Canada and Ireland, and the significance of the Brexit process for the Irish border. We often hear that trade has the ability to open borders and to keep borders open.
Historically, Canada has played an important role in securing peace between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. I think it's good to reaffirm our commitment to that now as we conclude a transitional deal and look forward to a successor agreement in the future.
For the benefit of committee members who may not already know, I understand that the same motion has already passed unanimously at the foreign affairs committee of the House. I think it would be nice for the Committee on International Trade to add its voice to that call.
Thank you very much.