International Trade committee  It's true that Liechtenstein, that some of those countries, did go ahead, and it was a great shame. But Norway clearly expressed its own reservation and didn't pass it. Switzerland did. The EU's is signed--it's sort of like where the U.S. is--but it has not gone through ratificat

International Trade committee  Invite the ENS, the Escuela Nacional Sindical, to come and testify. I have their report here, if you want the statistics.

International Trade committee  Yes, I think it's extremely worrisome. The issue is not just that there's a major opportunity lost to set a precedent—because the notion that the Colombian government and Canadian government would agree to an impact assessment is possibly precedent-setting and really important—bu

International Trade committee  As maybe just a quick reaction, I agree; the DAS scandal underwrites the central point that the Colombian state has not only no credibility to report on human rights violations, but the notion that it would openly consult and work with human rights groups to put together the repo

International Trade committee  I explained that it is very interesting that, at this stage of the debate, there is now a proposal for an impact study. But, as it is currently understood, it has no credibility. The study will not be done before the agreement. So there is no way of preventing badmouthing. There

International Trade committee  It's true that commerce already exists between Colombia and Canada. It wouldn't be accurate to say that it's not rules-based, because the rules governing international trade still apply. The question is what is the application of this bilateral trade agreement? And your questio

International Trade committee  Yes, and that's exactly what I was trying to go to. You have to look at the specific new policy measures that are added. In agriculture, it therefore adds an opening of vulnerable sectors in Colombia, which has price effects and livelihood effects. In investment, it adds unprec

International Trade committee  It's my last sentence. I do appreciate the extra time. I just wanted to say that I think the notion and the proposal offer us an important opportunity to set a really historic precedent, but the damage from a non-credible process is high, so let's get it right. Thank you.

International Trade committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, for the opportunity. Gerry Barr, president and CEO of CCIC, sends his regrets. We were given barely 24 hours' notice, making it impossible, unfortunately, for him to change his schedule or agenda. I think it's important to flag at the outset th

International Trade committee  Thank you for those questions. The onslaught against the trade union movement in Colombia has resulted in a serious decline, not only in the numbers of unionized workers in Colombia but also in the number of certified unions. According to the Canadian Labour Congress, who I thin

International Trade committee  I'm watching my time master. Ultimately, you will be facing a big dilemma as a result of many contradictory statements. Committee members will need to know what interests stakeholders have. It is worth noting that the Colombian government has mounted a major campaign to improve

International Trade committee  If I may have a quick follow-up, this is right, this point that when you stay at the level of principles--it will help trade, it won't help trade--you have to look at the specifics. What I was trying to suggest in my presentation was that when you look at the specific areas of co

International Trade committee  Thank you, Gerry, and thank you, members of the committee, again, for this opportunity. I just want to briefly address one more key area, which is the frequently asserted contention by officials, including in committee before you in recent weeks, that increasing the flows of Can