Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for his tempered but helpful remarks.
Given that the U.S. is our largest trading partner and accounts for some 75% of our trade, there has been the suggestion that we should be looking abroad for new trade opportunities with Europe, South America and Asia.
I am wondering what the member's views would be in terms of Canada's becoming more aggressive in seeking out these opportunities. There are some who suggest that there is a huge risk involved in hanging our hat on one partner, as opposed to perhaps diversifying our trade opportunities.
I would welcome the hon. member's comments.