Okay.
While CETA will continue to govern Canada-EU trade, this continuity agreement will provide predictability and remove uncertainty for Canadian businesses doing business with and in the U.K.
I'm thrilled to have the support of Canadian business and industry for the quick ratification of Bill C-18. These are organizations such as the Business Council of Canada, the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, and the Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters.
When it comes to the critical nature of Bill C-18, I would like to quote the shared statement from these businesses directly:
...we ask all parties to support the ratification of the Trade Continuity Agreement by quickly passing Bill C-18. Doing so would protect thousands of Canadian jobs and provide stability and certainty for workers, employers and investors. Without an agreement, $2 billion worth of bilateral trade will be at risk.
I look forward to working with all of my colleagues on all sides of the House to ensure a smooth continuity of Canada-U.K. trade relations and, in the near future, working toward further deepening this important trade relationship for the benefit of all Canadians.
Thank you. I look forward to your questions and our discussion.