This week, the committee continued its study of the benefits of becoming a full member of the Pacific Alliance. The meeting on Wednesday, April 17th was canceled.
On Monday, April 15th, the committee heard witness testimony from two academics from Carleton and the University of Ottawa, a senior researcher from the Governance of Natural Resources Program at the North-South Institute, as well as the managing director of the Canadian Association of Mining Equipment and Services for Export (CAMESE). The session aimed to flesh out the true impact of harmonizing Canada’s trade policies amongst the four member nations. Questions and comments sought to support or debunk a perceived negative impact in allowing for “freedom of movement” between member nations. There was also much time devoted to analyzing Canada’s potential marginalization from other trade partners like Brazil. The committee discussed whether they should heed this warning and risk isolating themselves by seeking trade alliances too quickly, or whether the Pacific Alliance can coexist with other simultaneous trade deals.