International Trade committee  We have exports to Colombia in the range of $660 million. Those are largely grains and pulses. Pulses include a range of products—lentils, beans. I'm learning as I go through the tariff items. I never knew there were so many varieties. But those are traditional exports to this ma

International Trade committee  In the case of autos, let me put it this way: we haven't heard anything negative. We've been in consultations even with the traditionally sensitive industries such as textiles and apparel. They understand where we are in these negotiations. To my knowledge, they haven't spoken ou

International Trade committee  That's right; that's a position.

International Trade committee  I think the Colombian ambassador spoke most eloquently to this on Monday. He says Colombia needs these agreements; we need to offer economic opportunity other than the drug trade. They're seeking this. That's part of their aggressive campaign to seek agreements with the European

International Trade committee  Well, textile and apparel is traditionally sensitive. Of course, the focus is on importations from China. The case of Colombia is not seen as a major threat.

International Trade committee  Thank you. I obviously can't speak to any particular operation or firm. I know there was recent information about one incident that I think you may be referring to. But in any case, with Canadian investments—and I think you're going to be speaking to the investors, and this is a

International Trade committee  Canada doesn't generally extend its laws to apply to actions of Canadian companies operating beyond its borders. Canada does not support other countries, either, in extending application of their laws to Canada in respect of the right of other countries to regulate activities tak

International Trade committee  No, no. It's--

International Trade committee  Yes, they go hand in hand, and the side agreements are where we're negotiating the key obligations.

International Trade committee  I think you answered it well. A trade agreement assists and promotes economic prosperity. When there's economic prosperity, it does promote stronger democratic institutions, better social conditions. Those are all part and parcel of the same progress in terms of economic advancem

International Trade committee  Yes, I haven't heard any opposition from the manufacturing sector to this deal. There are specific industries that have an interest.

International Trade committee  In the auto sector, in particular, they're supportive of this effort. I explained that we do have exports down there and we have activities in Colombia as well. So yes, they're very supportive of this effort.

International Trade committee  I was referring to the fact that the negotiations include discussions of labour and environment chapters, which are what Minister Emerson referred to, I think, last time he was before this committee. So for the first time, we're looking at actual chapters within the FTA that will

International Trade committee  Thank you for those questions. I want to reply from a corporate social responsibility angle. It's a very serious question. Our investments are largely in the extractive sector, and for this reason we've had two sessions in Bogotá with our investors, with the Government of Colomb

International Trade committee  Absolutely. Machinery and equipment are expanding. Our exports of paper and services are as well. It's not just in manufacturing. Environmental and engineering services are related to the larger investments that are there. As I noted, Colombia has now become the primary destinat