Brian Kingston made a statement and answered questions.

At 9:20 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 9:21 a.m., the sitting resumed in camera.

It was agreed, — That the Committee defray the costs of hospitality arising from a working breakfast to be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 for a delegation of the European Parliament, to a maximum of $750.

It was agreed, — That the Clerk, in consultation with the Chair, prepare a draft budget respecting the Committee’s proposed travel to Washington, D.C., in relation to its pre-study of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP), the study of the Softwood Lumber Agreement between Canada and the United States, and various other subjects related to Canada’s trade partnership with the United States, for consideration by the Committee.

It was agreed, — That the Committee invite the Minister of International Trade to appear for an hour before the Committee to discuss the Main Estimates 2016-17.

It was agreed, — That, in relation to its study of the Softwood Lumber Agreement between Canada and the United States, in addition of its meeting of March 24, 2016, another meeting in April 2016 be dedicated to this study.

It was agreed, — That a proposed budget in the amount of $ 36,300, for the pre-study of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP), be adopted.

At 9:36 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 9:42 a.m., the sitting resumed in public.

Mathew Wilson, Perrin Beatty and Corinne Pohlmann made statements and, with Warren Everson, answered questions.