Further, there is a need for explicit guidelines for business, for example in the form of ISO requirements, partly to protect business, and partly to avoid green-glossing. The structure of the question period was such that participants lined up and were given the opportunity to comment on the papers and to ask questions. At the very end of the session, each speaker was given a few minutes to respond and reply. Sanchez commented that he was puzzled by remarks about Canada's other potential trade markets, and inquired as to the real power behind government to rearrange trade agreements and the role of TNCs. Sanchez also drew attention to the distinction between rhetorical and action oriented discussions of sustainability.
Environmental change has a potential impact on innovation.
Mexico is still subject to trade sanctions under a bilateral agreement, while Canada is no longer. Again, the need to distinguish between rhetoric and action was raised. Weintraub was curious about Harris' comment that Canada might trade elsewhere if the United States turned protectionist. Sustainability has received short-shrift in this Institute, and appears to be somewhat of an afterthought. Rugman stated that he had not anticipated that this would be an Institute on government and regulation, and that we must expand the discussion.