Our so-called civilized world must do everything it possibly can to end these horror stories, which are devastating on a personal and on a social level. Mr. Speaker, in February 1996 the government signed the Nisga'a agreement in principle, the first of the modern day treaties in British Columbia. I recently asked the people of Prince George-Peace River for their views on the Nisga'a agreement. But fully 93 per cent want this precedent setting agreement to go to a provincial referendum so their voices are heard. As chair of the Canada-Chile Friendship Group, I am proud that Mr. Frei's first visit to Canada is in tandem with the signing of a very important bilateral trade agreement.
Chile is a thriving democracy whose similarities with Canada go beyond geographical beauty.
In an era of worldwide trade, our relations with Chile are a stepping stone to more trade negotiations with other countries in our hemisphere. I am certain that the agreement with Chile will benefit Canadians from coast to coast. I am sure I speak for many of my colleagues by congratulating the Prime Minister and the Minister for International Trade for signing this free trade agreement with the people of Chile. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the issue of credit card interest rates. Unfortunately, it is not the first time and probably will not be the last time that I speak on this issue.