OTTAWA, June 27, 2005 -- Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan and Minister of Industry David L. Emerson today met with Michael Chertoff, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Carlos Gutierrez, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Fernando Canales, Mexican Secretary of the Economy and Carlos Abascal, Mexican Secretary of the Interior, to report on the progress achieved in the implementation of the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America.
Prime Minister Martin, President Bush and President Fox announced the Security and Prosperity Partnership at their March 23rd meeting in Waco, Texas. In announcing the initiative, the leaders asked their lead ministers to report back within 90 days with workplans to further enhance the security of North America and promote the economic well-being of citizens.
“Keeping North America safe and secure means taking steps to protect North America from external threats, preventing and responding to threats within North America and further streamlining the secure movement of low-risk traffic across our shared borders,” said Minister McLellan. “I am pleased to report that we are making significant progress on these fronts. The proposals today will go a long way toward protecting North America, while maintaining each country's sovereignty.”
“The proposals outlined today will further enhance our economic collaboration and help to ensure the continued growth and competitiveness of North America, while improving the quality of life of our citizens,” added Minister Emerson. “This is an excellent first step in strengthening a partnership that is grounded in our common interests, while preserving unique Canadian values.”
Once fully implemented, the specific proposals and objectives identified in the workplans will significantly strengthen security and economic relationships among the three North American partners.
Highlights of the proposals for protecting North America from threats include:
Measures to improve the screening of individuals and goods entering and leaving North America;
Real-time information sharing on high-risk individuals and cargo;
Coordinated programs to ensure governments are prepared for large-scale incidents;
Joint assessments of critical cross-border infrastructure and a commitment to work with stakeholders to enhance existing border infrastructure;
A strengthened approach to maritime and aviation security;
The addition of a second site for the Canada-U.S. land preclearance pilot; and
The commitment to devise a single, integrated global enrolment program for North American trusted travellers (e.g. NEXUS, FAST, SENTRI) for travel by air, land, and sea.
Proposals to address prosperity and quality-of-life priorities include:
Putting in place a trilateral Regulatory Cooperation Framework by 2007;
Developing a coordinated strategy aimed at combatting counterfeiting and piracy by 2006;
Implementing a North American Steel Strategy within the next 12 months;
Establishing an Automotive Partnership Council of North America that will provide recommendations on moving to a fully integrated auto sector;
Continuing trilateral work toward a sustainable energy economy;
Improving the safety and efficiency of North American air navigation systems by 2007; and
Strengthening cooperation on invasive species and water quality issues, food safety standards and public health issues.
The proposals were developed through trilateral working groups in consultation with stakeholders over the past 90 days. For further information, including a copy of the plans, visit www.international.gc.ca.
For further information:
Alexander Swann
Director of Communications
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister,
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Tel.: (613) 991-2863
Ian Jack
Director of Communications
Office of David L. Emerson
Minister of Industry
Tel.: (613) 995-9001
