International Trade committee  Thank you very much. I would like to begin by talking about the Canada-United States Agreement on Government Procurement. In response to the economic crisis, the U.S. government launched a stimulus plan covering public infrastructure spending for all levels of government under t

International Trade committee  The first time we met was on October 1, 2009.

International Trade committee  The first round of negotiations was on October 1, 2009.

International Trade committee  August 20.

International Trade committee  No. The GPA commitment by the U.S. includes 37 states and no local governments.

International Trade committee  No.

International Trade committee  Yes, we did. We are aware that there are quite a few carve-outs in the U.S. coverage. We worked very closely with the provinces and territories to put this offer together. It's essentially their offer. I think it is reflective. Ontario and Quebec both have taken specific exclus

International Trade committee  NAFTA's Chapter 10 on government procurement only applies at the federal level. Mexico, the U.S. and Canada are under no obligation regarding provincial or territorial local procurement.

International Trade committee  Only contracts entered into by federal entities were affected by Chapter 10.

International Trade committee  That's right.

International Trade committee  I will have to have a look at the statistics. Can I get back to you on that question in writing?

International Trade committee  Something has changed. Under the GPA, that is, the agreement under which the U.S. opened the markets in its states, Canada had no access to these markets because it had not established the same obligation. However, the other GPA parties did have access to the 37 markets. Therefor

International Trade committee  The agreement consists of two, even three components. The first component guarantees our access to the markets of the 37 States. Rather than losing ground, we are taking a step forward. The third component of the agreement...

International Trade committee  We are talking about a fast-track discussion process. The third component of the agreement is aimed at exploring the possibilities of expanding the agreement, of going beyond...

International Trade committee  No, they have not.