International Trade committee  There are a few challenges. The world cost of energy comes up as almost number one. We also have issues where we don't have enough incentives compared with some of the jurisdictions we compete with. That's second. We compete with low-cost countries such as Mexico, where the cost

International Trade committee  I'd pitch access to market. We are right next door to one of the largest markets, the U.S. There's also the competitiveness of our supply base here, especially if you're a company in manufacturing. You'll be tapping the supply chain close by and reducing your costs of bringing i

International Trade committee  The ones that you mentioned are not the ones, but there are others that we have gone after such as European OEMs as recently as the last few months. This is public knowledge. We have aggressively pursued European OEMs as well as some Chinese OEMs.

International Trade committee  To be honest, when we were discussing it with them, it did not come up, but in subsequent discussions, it is something that has been brought up as a concern by our local OEMs. That is definitely going to be something that we'll be taking note of.

International Trade committee  Sorry, could you repeat that, please?

International Trade committee  The other OEMs that we have in the region?

International Trade committee  The other OEMs will definitely look at that as competition.

International Trade committee  Yes. The other OEMs, such as Ford and Chrysler that are already here, for them, having another OEM come in would definitely be seen as competition. They'll be fighting for the same resources, for the same talent pool, and for the same supply chain. In some ways it will help them;

International Trade committee  For the region, it will be definitely good. But the same OEMs will be, then, subject to the TPP constraints that we have in terms of the phase-out of the tariff. Whether they are local OEMs or others, if they're in Canada, they'll be subject to the same tariff.

International Trade committee  It will be equal.

International Trade committee  Yes, absolutely. Every day we work on diversification of the economy. The life sciences sector is something that we're growing into. Nutraceutical medical devices, clinical trials, and research and development are coming up strong. We're also diversifying within manufacturing. We

International Trade committee  It is roughly 14% of GDP.

International Trade committee  I think the SMEs that we have here are very competitive. Right now they are supplying not just the OEMs here but those in the U.S., so it's the global OEMs. What can we do to support them? We need to keep the industry here. The industry that will be here will be the OEMs, meani

International Trade committee  Yes, it's 28%, and although we are trying to do diversify the economy, that percentage is increasing. We're seeing more and more reliance on the auto industry. It's becoming even more important for us to support the industry locally. What we can do instead of signing the TPP is

International Trade committee  I agree. The tier 1's, which have a larger footprint and resources from deep pockets to set up an operation in some of the low-cost countries, will benefit. The small and medium-sized companies that are located here, and don't have available resources, will not benefit. I would