Mr. Speaker, my colleague served a short term on the committee with us. I wish him all the best in his leadership race for his party.
We have had significant debate. We will have additional debate at the committee and it will come back to report stage.
I refer back to the article in The Canadian Press with my hon. colleague, the Minister of International Trade. He said:
I realize how critical it is to actually engage at a much higher level and much more often with our key trading partners to develop trust...Sometimes you are so close and so far away from a solution because you haven't developed that bridge.
The hon. Minister of International Trade has worked closely with the Panamanian ambassador. I have had a chance to meet with him. I know he has met with several ministers and trade officials around the world, as I mentioned, with Brazil, China and India.
This is all about relationships as we continue to work forward to build new markets for Canada. I am thankful for this opportunity and I look forward to moving this agreement through the House.