Finance committee  Again, we have to be clear. If we are talking about dumping, an individual company can bring a case if they can demonstrate that they represent a significant part of the industry. They don't even have to represent a majority, but they have to be a very significant part.

Finance committee  Again, our jurisdiction really flows from the complaint. In this instance, the Minister of Finance or the Governor in Council can refer to us questions on textiles, for instance, or on tariff simplification or tariff reductions. But if one of those two bodies doesn't make a refer

Finance committee  We have done quite a bit of work for the Minister of Finance. We have had three major tariff references on textiles and clothing, and we have a standing reference from the minister whereby any producer organization can ask for tariff relief for downstream clothing production. In

Finance committee  The vast majority of that is to pay for a new audio system in our hearing rooms. In fact, $650,000 or so goes to that. Then there are small amounts for a number of other things.

Finance committee  It's very difficult for us to tell ahead of time what our costs are going to be for the two programs. In fact, next year we hope to have only one program so we don't have to make this division. We don't generate the work; we receive cases, whether they're dumping cases or safegua

Finance committee  That's not a simple question, in the sense that we have several mandates, and it depends on which mandate you're talking about. If it's as Mr. Paquette was talking about, in the area of dumping or in the area of safeguards, then yes, it's producers, and that's the term in legisla

Finance committee  Yes, if we are asked the question—since our mandate is to address matters put to us—but the question was not put to us.

Finance committee  What happened was that the Canada Revenue Agency changed its methodology. In this case, the CRA decided that China was a market economy, and that had an effect on the degree of dumping determined. After that ruling, the industry contacted us and asked us to launch a safeguard inq

Finance committee  Those are two different actions.

Finance committee  Mr. Paquette, you are asking me questions that I am unable to answer. We rule on matters that are put forward to us in compliance with the current legislation. We do not engage in politics.

Finance committee  No.

Finance committee  No, actually the increase in our estimates is to pay for a new audio system in the hearing rooms. The audio system has been in place for about 12 years and we can no longer find anyone to service the system. It's very vulnerable, so we have to replace it.

Finance committee  Not that I know of, sir.

Finance committee  Mr. Paquette, you should ask your colleagues on the government side to answer that question, because it is incumbent upon them to decide whether or not they should follow up on an inquiry that we have conducted. Our responsibility is to answer the following question: Was there in

Finance committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to appear before this committee and to answer any questions you may have. I am the Chair of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal. Accompanying me this morning is Ms. Sandy Greig, Director General of the Research Branch. Before moving o