SCII Committee Meeting

The Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on International Trade met in camera at 3:43 p.m. this day, in Room 307, West Block, the Chair, Leon Benoit, presiding.

It was agreed on division, — That the Committee continue using its current motion on time allotment for questioning of witnesses.

It was agreed on division, — That the Committee hold the following meeting:

Tuesday, October 17, 2006:

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.: Free Trade Agreement Between Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua

Witness: Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers.

It was agreed, — That the Committee hold meetings as follows:

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.: Canada’s Trade Policy

Witnesses: Officials from the Department of International Trade

Question: What is Canada's trade policy?

Thursday, October 19 2006:

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.: Round Table on Canada's Trade Policy

11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.: Informal working lunch with participants

Participants:

Canadian Association of Manufacturers and Exporters

Conference Board of Canada

Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Canadian Council of Chief Executives

Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters

Centre for Trade Policy and Law

C.D. Howe Institut

Wendy Dobson, Director of the Institute for International Business. Joseph Rotman School of Business, University of Toronto

L’Association des Maisons du Commerce Extérieur du Québec

Questions:

What should Canada's future trade policy look like?

Should Canada be pursuing closer integration of the North American economy to meet competitive pressures from other regions of the world?

If so, what should Canada’s North American policy contain?

Should Canada seek to rely less on the North American market by developing new partnerships with the emerging economic powers?

How can we secure improved market access in emerging markets (China, India, Brazil) and in more established markets (European Union, Japan, South Korea) in order to spur economic growth?

What specific trade, investment and other agreements should Canada enter into?

What, if any, new programs should be developed to boost business?.

At 4:55 p.m., the Subcommittee adjourned to the call of the Chair.