Chair, how much time do I have?
Evidence of meeting #2 for International Trade in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was rules.
A video is available from Parliament.
Evidence of meeting #2 for International Trade in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was rules.
A video is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Yasir Naqvi Liberal Ottawa Centre, ON
First of all, I want to say as a proud Canadian that I think all regions of this country are beautiful. Thank you for sharing all of your regions with all of us.
I'll go back to Mr. Kingston, and Mr. Roy as well.
We are in a very uncertain time. Mr. Kingston, I think you spoke about achieving the certainty that is important for business. Canada is really focused on not only the Canada-U.S. part of things, but also our trade diversification. We still fundamentally believe that a rules-based, liberalized trading system is a good thing for Canadians and for the Canadian economy.
In a very short period of time, from both of your industries' perspectives, as we engage in these conversations with the U.S. and other parts of the world, what kinds of things would you like to see to further strengthen the rules-based trading system, so that it can positively impact not only your particular industries, but most importantly Canadians?
We'll start with Mr. Kingston.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association
From an automotive perspective, trade diversification isn't really an option, just given the nature of the industry. We are totally integrated with the U.S. and it wouldn't make sense, necessarily, to build vehicles here to send to other markets. The U.S. has to be the priority for auto.
The key principle that we need to pursue is the durability of our trade agreement. When the CUSMA was negotiated, this review mechanism was put in place at the request of the U.S. It does create ongoing uncertainty for the industry, because if the U.S. does trigger the withdrawal every single year, for the next 10 years we will have to go through a review.
Anything that can be done to put long-term certainty into these trade deals is very important for the sector.
Chair, Canadian Pork Council
It will be brief. The diversification is really important around the world. Also, a climate that is good for businesses will be really helpful.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
Thank you all very much to our witnesses. It's very much appreciated.
I'm quite sure that you will be back before the committee several times in the next couple of years as we meet the challenges and are looking for suggestions from both industries. Thank you very much.
I will suspend so that we can go in camera, please. The witnesses may exit.
[Proceedings continue in camera]