Canada and the Americas

The consolidation of democracy and the growth of free markets have transformed the Americas since Canada joined the Organization of American States (OAS) 15 years ago. At the same time, Canada's relations with the Americas have developed in new and constructive ways.

Canada has played a strong role in producing positive change in the hemisphere. It has diversified and deepened relations with its neighbours and has itself been changed in the process, forging new alliances and making new commitments.

Canada's International Policy Statement issued in 2005 underlines the key role of the Quebec City Summit of the Americas in creating a regional consensus on democracy. At the Quebec City Summit in April 2001, Canada undertook a leadership role and the hemisphere demonstrated its collective commitment to democratic principles by including a democracy clause in the Quebec City Declaration. This action led to the subsequent creation and adoption of the Inter-American Democratic Charter on September 11, 2001.

Within the OAS, Canada played a key role in creating the Office for the Promotion of Democracy (formerly the Unit for Promotion of Democracy), which helps to strengthen fledgling democracies by providing technical support; and in designing the Trade Unit, which assists states in matters of trade policy and economic integration. Canada was part of the Committee on Hemispheric Security, which developed an updated, multidimensional approach to traditional and new security concerns. Canada has also been involved in institutionalizing the link between the OAS and the Summit of the Americas process.

Canada's engagement with other countries of the Americas has brought a significant new dimension and perspective to its foreign policy—a realization that all partners must confront the question of how to improve the region in which they wish to live and foster the legacy that they wish to leave to future generations.

All partners recognize that the Americas are connected by much more than geography. Canada is working with other governments on an increasingly wide range of sectoral interests. Ministers responsible for trade, transport, energy, gender equality, education, labour, justice, finance, environment, culture, sustainable development, health, development and agriculture now meet regularly.

Ongoing Canadian support to the Americas includes development assistance and cooperation that addresses poverty, supports education, and strengthens democratic governance and economic sustainability.

Canada is also involved in various efforts to bring peace and stability to the region. From Canada's contribution to the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti to humanitarian assistance in Honduras after Hurricane Mitch and in Grenada after Hurricane Ivan, Canada has assisted the Americas in responding to natural disasters and threats to peace and security.

As the Government of Canada strengthens its relationship with governments of the region, Canadians are also demonstrating their interest in the hemisphere. Partnerships and alliances are developing between groups of citizens who pursue common objectives. These groups, some of which emerged in the lead-up to the 2001 Quebec City Summit, include human rights organizations, indigenous groups, academics, youth groups and people with disabilities. Canada supports these hemispheric civil society partnerships, which contribute to building a stronger, more democratic hemisphere.

November 2005