International Trade committee  It's not that the companies will chase them. The phenomenon in Colombia is that paramilitary groups are the ones who get involved in the acts of violence and displacement. And it's not just about displacement; there's a whole host of human rights violations associated with that.

International Trade committee  I'm not an economist and I'm not a trade expert, so I don't think I can answer your question as to whether this deal will.... From a human rights perspective, we are concerned. That doesn't mean we don't think that ultimately those concerns couldn't be addressed through an indepe

International Trade committee  Well, I think it's important to link this issue with the issue of corporate social responsibility. In our view, the best way forward here would be not only to ensure that the prior independent human rights impact assessment is both carried out and addressed, but also that the Can

International Trade committee  As I indicated briefly in my comments, we welcome the fact that the amendment has, at the very least, put human rights on the table. This wasn't the case before. But we're very concerned about the fact that it does not propose what we would consider to be an independent process,

International Trade committee  We're not calling for Canadian companies to stop their trade and investment with Colombia. Long before this trade deal was on the table, we engaged with Canadian companies who either were already operating in Colombia or were considering doing so, and talked to them about the way

International Trade committee  Between the Canadian government and the Colombian government? Well, we have again for many years had a long history of putting recommendations in front of the Canadian government as to the kinds of assistance—through international cooperation funds, for instance—to strengthen and

International Trade committee  I'll take the latter question and agree with you. Absolutely, there are concerns about the protection of the rights of indigenous people throughout the Americas, in our own country, and in fact right around the world. It remains one of the globe's most pressing human rights chall

International Trade committee  But assessment isn't about numbers; it's not—

International Trade committee  Let's take the situation of indigenous peoples, for instance. As I indicated, many factors contribute to the serious human rights violations that indigenous people are experiencing, but many experts have highlighted that issues around trade, investment, natural resources, and min

International Trade committee  We have not said that there should not be a deal. Don't mistake me. We have said let's study its impact before we go ahead with operationalizing the deal, so that we can put in place the reforms and safeguards.

International Trade committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. I too will do my best to stay within ten minutes and not make you cranky. I particularly welcome the opportunity to be here, which I must note is my third appearance over the past two years with respect to this particular issue, the Canada-Colombia free tra

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  I think there are a variety of aspects to the pattern of human rights concerns that arise in Canada. I would say there are instances where we do have very real human rights violations where individuals experience abuses. I think one of the issues highlighted by many in the unive

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Very briefly, the only other point I would emphasize, as Leilani did, is about the continuing committee. Yes, it could and it should be improved in many ways, especially with respect to transparency. It's also vital to recognize its limits. It is not what is needed to solve the

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  That's right.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  There are any number around the world. I'm trying to think of those amongst some of our closest allies, which may be of greatest interest to you. In some instances, it may be a minister specifically and solely or entirely designated as responsible for human rights. In other inst