International Trade committee  I'd like to pass it on to Spirits Canada.

International Trade committee  I'd like to make the first comment. One of the other roles that I didn't describe is that I am chairing the current small and medium enterprise advisory council for the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. With regional representation of 15 SMEs from across Canada, there is, again, absolute unanimous approval of the agenda to advance free trade agreements in a broad-brush stroke.

International Trade committee  I will tell you--I just want to answer one part of your question--that if you went out to Canadian businesses, as we are known as successful exporters in every corner of the globe, and talked about the fact that we failed to capitalize on trade agreements, I think you'd find there are many factors that are affecting those statistics.

International Trade committee  With all due respect, if I could finish my response, I think it would be.... Go ahead.

International Trade committee  What has happened with our exports to the U.S. and Mexico after the North American free trade--

International Trade committee  With all due respect, we are here representing the view of Canadian farmers on remaining with our market access into a very important market. The issues of human rights have been well documented and presented today. These are certainly issues that as corporately responsible entities we always consider.

International Trade committee  Sir, I want to repeat my comment. My comment was that as corporately and ethically responsible businesses, we care very much about these types of things. Our position is very clear: economic engagement allows dialogue; isolationist views will not allow us to effect any change.

International Trade committee  Thank you, Carl. My company, Alliance Grain Traders Incorporated, is based in Regina. We are one of the largest processors and exporters of pulse crops in the world, starting only seven years ago in the basement of my house, and now accounting for over $300 million in exports from Saskatchewan.