Industry committee  Thank you very much. Mr. Chairman, auto parts has been the subject of some analysis. Professor Van Biesebroeck, in his study, projected that there would be export gains of 8% to 10% for Canada in the event of an FTA with Korea. With respect to movements the other way, the huge portion of the parts industry that comprises what we call OE, or original equipment, parts already enters Canada duty free.

International Trade committee  As you said, we consult extensively. The automotive consultative group represents those organizations or companies that have manufacturing or labour interests in Canada. We also consult outside of that with other groups regularly and on request. The consultative group meets the head of every negotiating round—

International Trade committee  We've had negotiating rounds roughly every two months; we've had five since last July. That provides an opportunity to provide a debrief on the last round and we are also to discuss issues that will be relevant in the coming round. In terms of the mandate of the group, we discuss all issues of interest to the sector: rules of origin, tariff elimination, and, as was already mentioned, tariff barriers.