Canada-China Relations committee  That data is available in what we've handed out. In terms of how we manage this, look, I'm not suggesting we adopt the Trumpian world view, but on the very specific issue of market certainty on agriculture, the Americans have managed to come up with something new. The idea is that we don't have the leverage that the U.S. has, but if we completely flip the script, completely turn it around, the Americans cannot offer the Chinese certainty that America will not use food as a political weapon.

Canada-China Relations committee  We'll start. It relates to the question from Mr. Bergeron. If you look at the data, the data indicates that we are tied to China. The data indicates that in the private sector across Canada individual consumers, businesses, producers and farmers are making a decision that's increasing our trade.

Canada-China Relations committee  Thank you for the question. I'll pass along your appreciation for witnesses to the others who preceded us, including the the ambassador. You would have to pull in the private sector, the trading houses and those who are directly involved to get the definitive answer. Looking at the data and understanding commodity flows, long-term contracts, planting decisions, the massive investments that go to production, the massive investments that go for trade infrastructure, I would submit to you that the answer would probably be no, but I suggest that you call in the experts to get a first-hand confirmation of that.

Canada-China Relations committee  I think the data speaks for itself. In addition to the trade relations, you'll note that the western provinces all have on-the-ground representation in China and throughout Asia. I was just in Beijing, and I spent days with the Alberta office and the various staff that the Alberta office has on the ground.

Canada-China Relations committee  Indeed, if you look at the interests of agriculture, on the one hand China needs food security—access to certainty on access to supply. Even though China is moving to become self-sufficient in certain commodities, the overall demand means that they will always need foreign inputs, not simply as a backstop but to feed the population.

Canada-China Relations committee  Once again, then, the west is shut out.

Canada-China Relations committee  All kidding aside, the Canada West Foundation was created 50 years ago for moments much like today to ensure that the west has a voice in affairs that shape the country, but more to assure that the west can contribute to creating a strong and prosperous Canada. A strong west is a strong Canada, and nowhere is that more evident than in our relations with Asia.

Canada-China Relations committee  Yes, that's correct. Before we begin, and as always, we would like to thank the committee, the chair and the clerk for their assistance. Thank you for the invitation to be here. This makes two times in two weeks for the Canada West Foundation to be in Ottawa testifying before Parliament on issues of great importance, obviously to Canada, but also to the west.