Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for her speech and wish her a good parliamentary season.
This is a very important issue to all parliamentarians. This summer, the official opposition asked the government to ratify the CPTPP sooner. We need to do it soon because Canada absolutely needs to be among the first six countries to ratify the CPTPP so it can take full advantage of the markets that the agreement will open up.
The CPTPP will enter into force 60 days after being ratified by the first six countries. If Canada is not among the first six countries, our beef and grain producers and all those who will want access to this market will miss out on getting first pick and will be stuck with whatever is left.
The Liberal government has spoken today about the urgent need to adopt and ratify the CPTPP, but why did it refuse to do so before we adjourned in June? Why did it reject our proposal to recall the House for a special sitting this summer in order to be among the first six countries?
My question is simple, and I would like an answer.