International Trade committee  Our ability to reach something substantial soon is yet to be seen.

International Trade committee  Yes, we did.

International Trade committee  It was not me personally because I was on maternity leave, but my replacement at the time did.

International Trade committee  Yes.

International Trade committee  Yes.

International Trade committee  What happens is that our members do so and then we roll all the information up into our submission.

International Trade committee  There has to be. That's how we operate.

International Trade committee  At this point, yes. In checking with my members earlier this week, that remains the same.

International Trade committee  I think it all depends on what is in the agreement in particular for our sectors. In general, CAFTA is supportive of free trade agreements that generate growth for our sectors. That's really what we're looking for. Whether we will oppose it, that is too far for me to say. In prin

International Trade committee  Our members include sugar producers and processors. It is the same thing. Opportunities are limited, and I think there is a lot of competition in that part of the world. Right now, they are more concerned about NAFTA and what will happen with the negotiations and with their acces

International Trade committee  I am talking about sugar and all processed products, so that means all aspects of the rules of origin.

International Trade committee  No, they are not the same thing. You will have to talk to the maple product representatives then.

International Trade committee  We represent just over 90% of the agri-food sector, but not them.

International Trade committee  No, not right now. In general, when free trade agreements come into force, and even before that in some cases, a certain number of non-trade barriers arise. That can even happen in the total absence of free trade agreements. One needs only to think of very large Asian countries,

International Trade committee  I agree on the science side that in free trade agreements there needs to be a commitment to science-based decision-making and rules that are predictable and transparent to allow our farmers and producers to make decisions on the long term and to ensure that there's predictability