CIIT Committee Report

HUMAN RIGHTS, THE ENVIRONMENT AND FREE TRADE WITH COLOMBIA

Introduction

Colombia: The Political and Economic Context

A. The Country

B. A Transformation — The Government of Álvaro Uribe Vélez

C. The Problems that Continue to Plague Colombia

1. Implication of the Government

2. The Security Situation — Ongoing Human Rights Abuses
by Illegal Armed Groups

3. The Drug Trade

4. Displacement

5. Socio-Economic Issues

6. The Environment

D. Concluding Comments

Canada’s Economic and Political Relations with Colombia

A. Canada-Colombia Free Trade Negotiations

B. Canada-Colombia Economic Relations

1. Merchandise Trade

2. Trade in Services

3. Foreign Direct Investment

C. Canada-Colombia Political and Social Relations

The Case For and Against a Free Trade Agreement
with Colombia

A. The Case for a Free Trade Agreement

1. Improvement of Canadian Access to the Colombian Market

2. Canada and Colombia are Complementary Economies

3. Preserving Canada’s Competitive Position

4. Fostering Human Rights

5. Job Creation in Colombia

6. Labour and Environmental Side Agreements

a) The Labour Side Agreement

b) The Environmental Side Agreement

7. Corporate Social Responsibility

8. Supporting an Ally

B. The Case Against a Free Trade Agreement

1. Colombia’s Human Rights Record

2. The Negative Effect of Investment Projects on Human Rights

3. Impact of Foreign Companies on the Environment

4. Labour and Environmental Side Agreements

5. Basing the Trade Agreement on the NAFTA Template

6. The Need for Transparent and Inclusive Negotiations

7. Colombia is not a Major Market for Canada

Conclusion

Recommendations to the Government of Canada

APPENDIX A — LIST OF WITNESSES

APPENDIX B — LIST OF BRIEFS

REQUEST FOR GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

DISSENTING OPINION OF THE LIBERAL PARTY

DISSENTING OPINION OF THE BLOC QUEBECOIS

DISSENTING OPINION OF THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS