Again, before we begin the final day of testimony in hearings regarding Canada's intention to enter into negotiations aimed at achieving a free trade agreement with Ecuador, I would like to bring forward my motions, which were sent to the committee on Friday, for our consideration.
Madam Chair, I will lead with the following motion, one that seeks to build on the current supply chain study, which we will return to following our examination of a possible free trade agreement between Canada and Ecuador, as well as the CARM study that we will be doing. In essence, this motion adds a part (c) to the current motion for our supply chain study, while keeping the remaining wording intact.
As such, the motion will read as follows:
That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a comprehensive study to (a) identify programs, tools and measures that support the growth of Canadian businesses and their contributions to domestic and global supply chains, export abroad, and becoming integral players in various economic sectors; (b) diversify and increase the presence of Canadian businesses in global markets, focusing on areas of competitive advantage and regional diversity of goods and services; and (c)—
This is the part I'm adding, Madam Chair.
—consider the ramifications of the ArriveCAN application and its impact on Canadian businesses, travel and tourism, as well as Canada's reputation as a travel destination for international visitors; that the committee hold a minimum of six meetings on this study—
This was in the previous motion, but again, it's a minimum of six meetings, and that could be added to.
—divided by regions in Canada; and that the committee report its comprehensive findings and recommendations to the House.
Chair, I propose this motion given the recent development that has dominated the attention of this House with regard to the ArriveCAN application and its negative impacts on Canadians. These impacts, concerns and, in many instances, grievances have been long-standing and varied, incorporating supply chain difficulties faced by not only the business sector but also, for example, in my community, the tourism industry, which is considered an export business.
Colleagues, I first raised concerns with the implementation of the ArriveCAN application on December 7, 2021, in a question I posed to the then public safety minister in the House. I can read that into the record, and I will. However, for now, I'd like to see, if my colleagues have had a chance to examine the wording that I'm proposing, whether they had any comments on that and whether they would support it.