Hon. Sergio Marchi (Minister for International Trade, Lib.)

Mr. Speaker, at the last federal-provincial conference for ministers of trade, not only did the minister of trade for the province of Quebec agree with the entire agenda, he actually complimented the federal government on how it had been able to consult, not only with Quebec, but with all of the provinces.

“If it ain't broken”, the Quebec minister said, “don't fix it”.

Hon. Sergio Marchi (Minister for International Trade, Lib.)

It will soon come, Mr. Speaker.

Hon. Sergio Marchi (Minister for International Trade, Lib.)

Mr. Speaker, the fact of the matter is that on the federal-provincial scene, when it comes to international trade, this deal and partnership works harmoniously well.

The Government of Canada, in the case of asbestos, has had more telephone conferences, more meetings and more get togethers with the industry in Quebec and with province of Quebec officials than on any other issue. There has not been one complaint registered to me by the Quebec minister for trade concerning asbestos or any other interest.

There is a national interest within which the provinces certainly participate, consult and advise.

Hon. Sergio Marchi (Minister for International Trade, Lib.)

Mr. Speaker, as the Minister of Human Resources Development said moments ago, there are two reasons that the Quebec culture has flourished. First, it is because of Quebecers themselves and, second, it is because they have been able to live in the best country in the world which promotes diversity and uniqueness.

Hon. Sergio Marchi (Minister for International Trade, Lib.)

Mr. Speaker, we have an agreement with the United States. It is an agreement that was agreed to by all the four provinces within the agreement and by the entire industry from one coast to the other. The member knows this.

Now the commodity sector has come under great pressure both in Canada and the United States. That clearly does not justify the single-handed action the United States has taken. We will use every possible aspect of this agreement as well as the world customs and NAFTA to redress in the proper way the proper functioning of the agreement between our two countries.