Mr. Speaker, I am pleased, on behalf of the Bloc Quebecois, to welcome the President of Chile, Eduardo Frei.
It has been over 50 years since a leader of the Chilean government visited Canada. This is therefore a landmark occasion.
I am delighted that negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement between Canada and Chile have been successful and that President Frei has just signed the agreement. This will make it easier for Chile to join NAFTA. This is a very important step in the process of continental economic integration.
I hope that this visit by the Chilean president will enhance the already excellent relations Chile has with Canada and with Quebec.