Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague opposite for her speech on Bill C-41, an act to implement the free trade agreement between Canada and the Republic of Korea.
The NDP takes the time to properly examine every free trade agreement proposed. We use very specific criteria to determine whether a free trade agreement is satisfactory or not. The NDP will support Bill C-41 on the free trade agreement between Canada and the Republic of Korea at second reading.
There are certain criteria that we are feel are important when examining such agreements. The first is whether the proposed trade partner respects democracy, human rights, adequate environmental and labour standards and Canadian values.
Next, we want to know whether the proposed partner's economy is of significant or strategic value to Canada and whether the terms of the proposed agreement are satisfactory.
Since this free trade agreement meets these criteria, or at least appears to, we are going to support this bill at second reading.