On Monday, April 15^th, 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.

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On March 18^th, the committee heard witness testimony from the Ambassador of Chile.  On March 20^th, the committee heard from the Colombian and Peruvian Ambassadors. The questions targeted highlighting the difference between the trade agreements outlined in the Pacific Alliance and other FTAs. Each of the Ambassadors spoke in favor of the Alliance citing that the Alliance goes beyond the scope of the FTAs as it includes the harmonization of trade regulation in capital and personnel, rather than just goods, services, and investment.

On March 18^th, a motion was carried in camera to ensure that the Minister of International Trade prior to May 29^th 2013, to discuss the Main Estimates 2013-2014.

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On March 4, the committee heard witness testimony from the President of Pacific Exotic Food Inc, as well as an individual; both shared their thoughts on a CEPA with India. Gian Dhesi, President of Pacific Food Inc discussed India’s economic history and argued that India has effectively attracted traders for centuries due to their treatment of guests; in India, guests are treated as gods. Dhesi proceeded to discuss current and future economic opportunities for Canada with India given India’s growing middle class (267 million people, in contrast to Canada’s 34 million citizens). Following Jas Ghuman’s testimony, however, the benefits of signing a trade agreement were derailed and a conversation about challenges facing business people emerged.

The duration of the meeting dealt with the merit of a CEPA and its ability to alleviate concerns with corruption. The solution that witnesses suggested included centralized control of business management, and ensuring a commitment to contract enforcement. While both witnesses exclaimed concerns with a CEPA, they both supported signing as agreement in theory.

Following the witnesses’ testimony, committee business was held in camera; the Honourable Wayne Easter questioned the rationale behind moving into camera.  While in camera, it was agreed , among other things, that the committee commence a study of the benefits for Canada in joining the Pacific Alliance as a full member beginning 18 March 2013 . The committee agreed to invite the ambassadors of Mexico, Peru, Chile and Colombia in Canada to appear before the committee as witnesses. The text of the decision can be found here.

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