Mr. Speaker, it is quite evident why Canada's trade interests are not being properly represented. If the Prime Minister would go back to the NAFTA and read the dispute settlement mechanism he would see what it says: "The dispute settlement provisions of this chapter shall apply whenever a party considers that an actual or proposed measure of another party would be inconsistent with this agreement".
It is quite clear that the Helms-Burton bill in the American Congress is a proposed measure in violation of the NAFTA.
Why does the Prime Minister not direct his trade minister to file an application to the dispute settlement mechanism with respect to this bill?