Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Welcome, Mr. Graves. You are providing us with some very interesting information today.
From a more sociological perspective, when people talk about the United States, one event remains a constant in their collective memory, namely the attacks of September 11, 2001. No one can ignore the serious economic crisis currently unfolding in the United States. In light of the events of September 11 and the current economic crisis, how do Canadians now view the United States? Is it not true that the events of 9-11 have distorted to some extent our relations with or our perception of the United States? Conversely, is it not true that the United States may have felt victimized somewhat by this tragedy and are now feeling even more victimized by the crisis that is battering their economy?
Are we sensing a complete shift to the left, with the election of U.S President Obama? There is a renewed sense of hope in the air. Canada is trying to strengthen its relations with the United States. What impact is this likely to have? Are we now identifying more with our Canadian values as a result of President Obama's election? Because of its close association with the Obama effect, does Canada not run the risk of losing its independence on the international stage?