Commitments Made, Commitments Kept. Canada's Contribution as Chair of the Summit of the Americas

(June 2003)

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Message from the Prime Minister

It has been an honour for Canada to serve as chair of the Summit of the Americas process over the past three years. Argentina has now officially taken over this privilege and responsibility as of June 9, 2003.

Canada was pleased to host the 34 democratically elected leaders of the Americas in Quebec City, in April 2001, to address common challenges. We made a series of commitments in the Quebec City Declaration and Plan of Action to strengthen democracy, create prosperity and realize human potential.

You will find more information about these commitments and the progress that has been achieved since the Quebec City Summit in the pages that follow. One of the most significant achievements has been the creation and adoption of the Inter-American Democratic Charter in September 2001. The Charter has since played an important role in assisting the Hemisphere face challenges to democracy.

Canada is fortunate to be part of the Americas. We will continue to work closely with our partners to advance democracy, social development and prosperity within the Americas in the years to come.

Jean Chrétien
Prime Minister of Canada

Table of Contents

• Strengthening Democracy
  • A Hemispheric Framework for Democracy
  • Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
  • Justice, Rule of Law and Security of the Individual
  • Creating a Civil Society that Spans the Hemisphere
  • Bolstering Hemispheric Security
• Creating Prosperity
  • Labour and Employment
  • Trade, Investment and Financial Stability
  • Towards a Green Hemisphere
  • Agricultural Management and Rural Development
• Realizing Human Potential
  • An Education Agenda of the Americas
  • Promoting Health Across the Hemisphere
  • Hemispheric Development
  • Promoting Gender Equality Across the Hemisphere
  • Working Together: The Indigenous Peoples of the Americas
  • Fostering a Culturally Diverse Hemisphere
  • Connectivity
  • A Future for the Children and Youth of the Americas
• Conclusion

To obtain copies of this brochure and other DFAIT publications:
Enquiries Service (SXGI)
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
Tel.: 1-800-267-8376 (toll-free) or (613) 944-4000
Fax: (613) 996-9709
E-mail: enqserv@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada,
as represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, 2003
Catalogue No.: E2-486/2003
ISBN 0-662-67381-6