Mr. Speaker, I listened very carefully to the speech the hon. member for Erie just made and I was surprised to learn that the John Deere tractor I own was probably built in his riding. I would also like to remind my hon. colleague from Erie that, in 1988, Quebecers showed the most support for international trade, and especially for NAFTA.
In fact, in more than 62 out of 75 ridings, the vast majority of Quebecers elected the Conservative Party which had made NAFTA the cornerstone of its 1988 election campaign. Of course, where agricultural products are concerned, Quebecers are extremely well positioned in supply-managed sectors, like poultry, milk and egg production. To replace supply management, the GATT agreement provides for what is commonly called tariffs that can reach up to 360 per cent in some cases.
As the previous speaker pointed out, these tariffs will be in place for the next six years, and this six-year period is crucial if our farmers are to adjust and take their place on the market.
Of course, in case of disputes, we will be able to present our case to the panel. This panel is fine, but among our representatives we need to have good negotiators who can stand tall instead of crawling in front of our opponents and saying: "We have already lost", even before beginning to defend the interests of the people they represent.
I recall three particular incidents where I have not been impressed at all by the way our representatives have stood up for us. First, there was the softwood lumber dispute, then the hog dispute and most recently the durham wheat business, which especially affected Western Canada.
I am concerned about the guarantee and I would like the previous speaker, my colleague from Erie, to reassure Quebec farmers that the people who will represent them before these panels will be up to our expectations.