Mr. Speaker, it is interesting to hear so much talk about the Reform Party's dissenting opinion. I guess it must have struck a nerve.
It seems to me, though, that there was some talk about international markets in terms of culture. We know there are about $700 million of investment in our Canadian cultural industries from countries such as Australia. If we decide to go the protectionist route, two can play that game. Other countries can play that game as well.
If we put broad cultural exemptions on instead of defining narrowly exactly what we need, how will that serve our interests with countries such as Australia which are investing in Canada? Would that not cut off some of the investment?
Most of the so-called threat to Canadian culture seems to be coming from the United States. We already have the NAFTA with a so-called cultural exemption which says that we can have retaliation and equivalent effect. It would be pretty tough to get a weaker exemption than that. That will remain in place whether or not we sign the MAI.
How does the member see the MAI destroying the cultural exemption which is already in place under the NAFTA?