Mr. Speaker, first I want to commend the minister on his evolution from a vociferous opponent of free trade to now an ardent supporter of the principles that my party has supported since before 1988.
My question for the minister is relative to the Australian model for treaty negotiation which was introduced by Alexander Downer, foreign minister, in May 1996.
This could apply to Canada's participation in MAI, it could apply to our participation in Kyoto or virtually any international agreement that we are pursuing. The treaty as legislated will be tabled in Parliament at least 15 days before the government takes binding action.
This means the treaty will be tabled after the treaty has been signed for Australia but before action is taken that would bind Australia under international law.
Will the minister commit to having the treaty that is signed tabled in the House for 15 days for legitimate, meaningful debate similar to what Australia has now? That was the same position we took as part of the foreign affairs and international trade committee.
We did not achieve agreement at the committee but I would like to ask the minister, who I really hope believes in this type of meaningful dialogue, whether he will commit to 15 days of debate and discussion with the final agreement tabled in the House prior to ratification.