Mr. Speaker, following the Summit of the Americas in Miami in December, the Presidents of the United States and Mexico and the Prime Minister of Canada made a commitment to begin negotiations with Chile for
its inclusion in NAFTA. These negotiations get underway next week in Toronto.
We find it unfortunate that the American Congress appears to have made the elimination of the side agreements on occupational environment a prior condition to the adoption of fast track legislation.
The Government of Canada should make it very clear that Canada insists on the side agreements on occupational environment being an integral part of the negotiations with Chile. The people and the workers in the NAFTA member countries should enjoy reasonable working and environmental conditions.
The Bloc Quebecois supports Chile's inclusion in NAFTA and will monitor these negotiations with interest.