I want to point out to the hon. member that the minister of agriculture and the Minister for International Trade have had numerous discussions with their U.S. counterparts during the Uruguay round of GATT and after that in order to try to resolve the issue of Canadian access to the U.S. market for sugar and sugar containing products.

During those discussions the Canadian approach to the issue that remained outstanding was to seek a solution which would, at the very least, preserve existing levels of trade in sugar and sugar containing products. The minister made his concerns very clear when in December he said we regret that the U.S. has rejected this approach and implemented draconian measures.

The minister of agriculture clearly expressed our government's disappointment with the U.S. and continued to seek a delay in the implementation of the U.S. measures against Canadian exports. He went on to say that the U.S. decision is one that has been and he could see would be inequitable and shortsighted on their part.

The U.S. has proceeded with the reclassification of certain sugar containing products so as to make the access of those products to the U.S. more difficult or impossible. The effects of these changes has been to reduce Canadian access to the U.S. for sugar containing products and the market there for us.

Officials are continuing to work with the industry and industry officials to develop a reliable estimate of the impact. We certainly have seen a worst case scenario and that has been quantified. However, these are not based on fact but mainly on hypothesis.

As to the government's reaction, the minister will continue to consult with the industry and the provinces as to possible action, look at reviewing legal options and of course our preferred approach is a negotiated solution because we consider the best way to resolve these issues is to deal with each one on its own merits without trading off the different sectors against each other.

Immigration ActAdjournment Proceedings

6:40 p.m.

The Acting Speaker (Mrs. Maheu)

Pursuant to Standing Order 38(5), a motion to adjourn the House is now deemed to have been adopted. Accordingly the House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 10 a.m., pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).

(The House adjourned at 6.45 p.m.)