Mr. Speaker, the representations contained in the latter part of the hon. gentlemen's question I am sure will be music to the ears of the Minister of Industry, who is responsible for internal trade negotiations.
I hope the hon. gentleman would use his good offices in a constructive manner to encourage the provinces, which have the jurisdiction in a number of the areas to which he has referred, to co-operate constructively with the Government of Canada so we can make progress in a reasonable timeframe toward greater internal trade freedom.
It is an anomaly when there are more internal trade restrictions within Canada than there are between Canada and some foreign jurisdictions.
Specifically on the issue of our trade performance, I am happy to report the most recent statistics indicate our agri-food exports have now surpassed $17.4 billion worth. We are well on our way to the $20 billion target.