Manufactured Goods and Sectoral and Regional Competitiveness:
Enhancing and Streamlining Regulatory Processes in North America

Initiative

Key Milestones

Status

Develop a trilateral Regulatory Cooperation Framework by 2007.

Form a trilateral “core” group to work on drafting the framework: by fall 2005.

Completed

Hold a trilateral seminar on regulatory cooperation to review the regulatory systems of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. This should work toward determining ways and means of enhancing cooperation: by March 2006.

Completed

Finalize a framework for trilateral regulatory cooperation: by 2007.

On track

Monitor cooperation efforts, with a view to producing a progress report/assessment: by 2008.

On track

Manufactured Goods and Sectoral and Regional Competitiveness:
Steel: A Strategic Partnership – A Strategic Industry

Initiative

Key Milestones

Status

Pursue a North American Steel Strategy.

North American governments will coordinate their comments on the OECD “Blueprint” for a steel subsidies agreement: June 2005.

Completed

Create a small, trilateral government-industry working group to draft a detailed work program for implementation of the key priorities of the steel sector strategy: Report to be tabled for discussion at the November 2005 North American Steel Trade Committee meeting.

Completed

Governments to confer with their steel industries and one another on the WTO Ministers meeting in Hong Kong in December 2005.

Completed

Governments to meet to discuss their monitoring systems to share best practices, successes and potential ways to improve import monitoring: by March 2006.

Completed

Manufactured Goods and Sectoral and Regional Competitiveness:
Moving Toward a Fully Integrated Auto Sector

Initiative

Key Milestones

Status

Create the trilateral Automotive Partnership Council of North America.

Formally establish the APCNA: by September 2005.

Delayed to Summer 2006

The APCNA to make recommendations to governments on key challenges and opportunities.

Delayed to September 2006

Promote greater compatibility in autos and auto parts regulations, standards and conformity assessment, while ensuring safety and environmental protection.

The NAFTA Automotive Standards Council and the NAFTA Land Transportation Standards Subcommittee both will meet to consider standards, regulations and conformity assessment procedures identified by stakeholders.

On track

Coordinate Canada, U.S. and Mexico safety and environmental regulation development with UN/ECE/Global Technical Regulations.

The process that Mexico began in order to participate in the WP29 group has finished. Therefore, Mexico has decided to participate in the group.

On track

Manufactured Goods and Sectoral and Regional Competitiveness:
A Fake-Free North America

Initiative

Key Milestones

Status

Combat counterfeiting and piracy.

Seek to develop a coordinated strategy aimed at combatting counterfeiting and piracy, and focusing on enhancing detection and deterrence of counterfeiting and piracy, expanding public awareness and outreach efforts regarding trade in pirated and counterfeit goods, and developing measurements to assess progress over time and to estimate the magnitude of the problem: by 2006.

On track

Manufactured Goods and Sectoral and Regional Competitiveness:
Other Initiatives

Initiative

Key Milestones

Status

Conclude arrangement recognizing corresponding Canada and U.S. specifications for containers used to transport dangerous goods.

Relevant authorities will meet to begin discussions.

On track

Undertake an accelerated program to promote mutual recognition of results from testing laboratories with respect to measurement standards in North America.

Mutually recognize results from testing laboratories that make dimensional and automotive emission measurements: by March 2006.

Completed

Mutually recognize results from testing laboratories with respect to flow measurements for sulphur emissions of fuel oil and general chemical measurements: by March 2007.

On track

Develop a work plan for long-term cooperation in metrology: by March 2007.

On track

Facilitate trade in medical devices.

Eligible Canadian and Mexican small and medium-sized medical device companies have been given access to the U.S. FDA’s medical devices small business discount.

Completed

Canada and the U.S. to pursue opportunities for cooperation with regard to third-party quality systems audit/inspection programs: by March 2008.

On track

Work toward greater North American convergence of regulatory practices through the use of Global Harmonization Task Force (GHTF) guidances: by March 2008.

On track

Pursue greater market access of natural health products in North America.

Canada, U.S. and Mexico authorities will participate in a roundtable discussion to exchange information regarding domestic conformity assessment procedures: by September 2005.

Completed

Pursue development of a mutually acceptable approach for Canada and the U.S. to share a single notification assessment for the introduction of new chemical substances, under the Canada-U.S. Four Corners Agreement and/or OECD Pilot project on Mutual Acceptance of Notification.

Initiate steps to begin cooperative preparation and exchange of assessment documentation between the parties.

On track

Develop a trilateral inventory of chemicals in commerce.

On track

Assess the results of the two-year OECD pilot project Mutual Acceptance of Notification.

On track

Engage in a common approach for textile labelling.

Finalize and sign an arrangement on “care labelling symbols” for textiles and apparel.

Delayed

Develop a common approach to identify the dealer identity for textiles articles.

On track

Enhance regulatory cooperation in marine safety equipment and pleasure craft.

Determine the need and desirability for negotiating an equivalency agreement, and identify the product categories and standards/regulations for coverage for marine equipment.

On track

Determine the need for negotiating a mutual recognition agreement to recognize certificates of conformity for the construction of pleasure craft.

On track

Strengthen and enhance the exchange of information and public health and safety cooperative activities related to the safety of consumer products.

Finalize and sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. and Canada: June 2005.

Completed

Finalize and sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. and Mexico.

Completed

Initiate negotiations on a potential Memorandum of Understanding between Canada and Mexico.

On track

Work to more effectively identify and respond to factors affecting the competitiveness of the North American economy.

Develop a proposal for consideration by Ministers that would build upon the work of existing organizations: by March 2006.

Completed

Explore opportunities for collaboration in other key areas, including biotechnology, nanotechnology, supply chains and logistics management, forest products, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), building materials, fibre content labelling, Green Suppliers Network, and on an approach to emerging markets.

Develop and report on potential initiatives.

On track

Movement of Goods:
Expanding duty-free treatment through rules of origin liberalization, covering at least $30 billion in trilateral trade by 2007

Initiative

Implementation Timeline

Status

Reduce “rules of origin” costs on goods traded between our countries.

June 2005: Announce completed trilateral implementation of Track I round of rules of origin changes.

Completed

By September 30, 2005, complete public consultations on Track II round of rules of origin changes.

Completed

Aim to implement Track II round of rules of origin changes by January 1, 2006, but no later than mid-2006.

On track

By May 1, 2006, complete negotiations on Track III round of rules of origin changes, aiming for as comprehensive and ambitious a package as possible.

Completed

Explore opportunities for trade facilitation.

Consultations with interested stakeholders will commence immediately, aimed at identifying priorities for trade facilitation.

Delayed

In the latter part of 2005, the three countries will meet to discuss specific proposals, reflecting input received during the consultations.

Delayed

E-Commerce and ICT:
Maximize on-line Business and Consumer Confidence

Initiative

Key Milestones

Status

Framework of Common Principles for Electronic Commerce

Framework signed June 2005

Completed

Implementation of work elements by March 2007

On track

Give legal effect to the use of electronic signatures and e‑contractual transactions.

Approaches and issues identified by December 2005

Delayed to October 2006

Draft procedures by June 2006

Delayed to December 2006

Implementation by March 2007

On track

Implementation of the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL) Mutual Recognition Agreement on Conformity Assessment

Implementation of Phase I (i.e. acceptance of test results from recognized laboratories):
U.S. and Canada – June 2005
Mexico – Begin implementation by June 2006

Completed
On track

Implementation of Phase II (i.e. acceptance of product certification from recognized certification bodies):
U.S. and Canada – post-2007
Mexico -- based on the experience of Phase I, explore the possibility of implementing Phase II by March 2008

Completed
On track

Explore agreement on mechanisms to ensure bilateral/trilateral consultations on telecommunications and spectrum policy issues.

Work plan to be developed by December 2005

Completed

Appropriate agencies/ departments will discuss procedures for expediting the negotiation and conclusion of new or amended agreements for coordination and sharing of frequency bands in border areas.

Initial discussions by December 2005

Completed / ongoing

Financial Services

Initiative

Key Milestones

Status

Evaluate current technical assistance programs for bank, securities and insurance regulators and supervisors.

Inventory existing technical assistance training programs to consider need for potential new training areas: by December 2005.

Completed

Encourage cooperation on financial literacy/financial education.

Increase contacts and consultations among U.S. and Mexican agencies on how to share experience on financial literacy/financial education: by December 2006.

Completed

Mexico and U.S. to promote efficiencies and encourage use of FedACH International Mexico automated clearing-house mechanism.

Hold joint U.S.-Mexico promotional sessions for FedACH International mechanism at Mexican consulates in the U.S. under the “Directo a Mexico” program: by June 2006.

Completed

NAFTA Financial Services Committee to report on feasibility of transforming the U.S.-Mexico one-way automated clearing-house mechanism into a bidirectional mechanism: by June 2007.

On track

Canada and U.S. to consider  elimination of withholding taxes and branch-level interest tax imposed on cross-border interest payments.

Canada and U.S. treaty negotiators to discuss in context of current negotiations.

On track

Strengthen financial sector information sharing.

NAFTA Financial Services Committee to consult with tax authorities and report on recommendations for improvement in financial information-sharing arrangements: by December 2005.

Delayed to December 2006

Encourage discussion of issues surrounding enhanced cross-border transactions through a direct access to the existing electronic trading platforms of stock exchanges and derivative exchanges across the region without compromising investor protection.

Begin dialogue with regulators regarding direct access to existing stock exchanges: by June 2007.

On track

Seek ways to improve the availability and affordability of insurance coverage for carriers engaged in cross-border commerce in North America.

U.S. and Canada to work toward possible amendment of the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulation to allow Canadian insurers to directly sign the MCS-90 form concerning endorsement for motor carrier policies of insurance for public liability: by June 2006.

On track

Facilitate and increase tourism flows by various means, including the possibility of exploring the establishment of cross-border personal auto insurance: by June 2007.

On track

Encourage identification of issues of common regulatory concern and other financial and regulatory issues of interest to particular parties and work together to facilitate cooperation.

Financial Services Working Group to encourage regulators to identify issues of common regulatory concern: Report on outcomes of these consultations by December 2007.

On track

Signature Initiative:
North American Air Transportation: Expanding Our Horizons

Initiative

Key Milestones

Status

Explore opportunities for expanding air transportation relations on a bilateral and trilateral basis.

Engage in negotiations in 2005-06 on a bilateral basis.

On track

Initiate dialogue to identify issues by the end of 2006 in moving toward a trilateral agreement.

Delayed to 2007

Increase North American airspace capacity and allow aircraft to safely fly more-efficient routes.

RVSM was implemented concurrently by all three states in January 2005 as originally scheduled and agreed to. The initiative is complete and has yielded the increased capacity anticipated.

Completed

Reach an agreement that allows business aviation, including fractionally owned aircraft, to fly freely between any and all three countries.

Consult stakeholders and establish a compatible North American fractional ownership regulatory regime in 2005.

Completed

Address economic barriers to an “open” trilateral regime by identifying constraints at the national level and determining how they can be addressed, and reaching agreement on an equitable regime applying to all three countries.

On track

Agreement to be completed and implemented in 2006.

On track

Enhance aviation safety and air navigation.

Establish a joint strategy for RNAV-RNP harmonization and sign a formal statement in 2005.

Completed

Install five WAAS stations in Canada and Mexico in 2005.

Completed

Install four more WAAS stations in 2006.

On track

Continue consultations to develop joint positions in 2005.

Ongoing to 2008

Work toward a Mexico-U.S. Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA).

By the end of 2006, sign a Memorandum of Cooperation.

On track

Signature Initiative:
Safer, Faster and More Efficient Border Crossings

Initiative

Key Milestones

Status

Use new or enhanced mechanisms to support border planning, information sharing and communications.

Revitalize the Canada-U.S. Transportation Border Working Group and the U.S.-Mexico Joint Working Committee on Transportation Planning by the end of 2005.

Completed

Complete a Canada-U.S. border infrastructure compendium and develop an implementation plan for priority infrastructure investments at key land border ports of entry by 2008.

On track

Conduct ongoing consultation, as appropriate, with stakeholders, including Mexican Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (SCT) and U.S. Trade Development Administration (USTDA).

Completed / ongoing

Initiate new studies on the main NAFTA corridors between Mexico and the U.S. and develop a methodology to relieve bottlenecks within the highway network and at ports of entry by mid-2006 (9 months).

Completed / ongoing

Convene a U.S.-Mexico transportation financing seminar in the summer of 2005 and conduct follow-up workshops on innovative approaches to financing projects along the border in 2005-06 (12 months).

Completed  / ongoing

Track and analyze border trade and traffic flows using modern technologies.

Maintain and update trinational data held in the North American Transportation Statistics Interchange. Complete update in September 2005.

Completed

Implement weigh-in-motion (WIM) technology projects in Canada and at Canada-U.S. border crossings to improve border trade and traffic flow data collection and analysis in 2005-06.

On track

Beginning in 2005, conduct analysis and modelling of U.S.-Mexico border infrastructure and trade flows to support the development of enhanced border architecture. Model 21 ports of entry with Mexican Border Wizard.

Completed

Develop a U.S.-Mexico Geographical Information System (GIS) in 2006 (18 months).

On track

Complete final version of Border Information Flow Architecture and pursue opportunities for a pilot project.

BIFA US-CN: Completed
BIFA US-MX: 
On track
Pilot Project:  
On track

Support the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Architecture design for Mexico.

On track

Facilitate border trade and traffic flows.

Expand the construction of six new express lanes for SENTRI or NEXUS on the Mexican-U.S. border by the end of 2006.

On track

Implement a secure cross-border commuter service on the U.S.-Mexican border between El Paso and Ciudad Juárez by December 2005.

Delayed to 2006

Other Transportation Initiatives

Initiative

Key Milestones

Status

Enhance shortsea shipping.

Hold a continental Shortsea Shipping conference by spring 2006.

Completed

Implement the Memorandum of Cooperation by 2007.

On track

Establish a Canada-U.S. joint study/research project in 2005 for completion by 2007.

On track

Coordinate North American rail safety.

Continue to conduct bi-annual senior management meetings to consider ways of promoting rail safety and facilitating cross-border flows of rail traffic.

On track

In 2005, evaluate procedures at critical crossing points.

Completed / ongoing

Continue and expand joint safety inspections at border locations in 2005

Completed / ongoing

Examine rail safety regulations to identify opportunities for further harmonization by the end of 2006.

On track

Recognize and harmonize North American motor carrier regulations and standards.

Hold scoping meetings in 2005 and early 2006 to identify specific, potentially resolvable VWD issues. 

Delayed to
December 2006

By 2010, recommend coordination methods and implement appropriate standards and administration adjustments.

On track

In 2005, meet to develop critical path to address motor carrier medical standards harmonization.

Completed /
ongoing to 2007

In 2005, establish a pre-notification protocol to advise SPP partners of impending safety regulations that could have a significant impact on motor carriers.

Completed /
ongoing to 2007

By the end of 2007, establish procedures for the electronic exchange of motor carrier safety data.

On track

By the end of 2007, develop a system of reciprocal recognition of motor carrier safety ratings.

On track

Examine the benefits of an intermodal transportation concept for North America.

Develop an intermodal transportation concept by the end of 2006.

On track

Work toward establishing an intermodal corridor work plan and a Memorandum of Cooperation and pilot project.

Delayed

Energy:
Creating a sustainable energy economy for North America

Initiative

Key Milestones

Status

Expand science and technology collaboration.

By June 2006, hold meeting of the three governments to explore possibilities of enhanced cooperative research and development in areas including:

1. Methane hydrates
2. Unconventional natural gas resources
3. Enhanced oil recovery
4. Carbon sequestration regional partnerships
5. North American Clean Coal Initiative
6. Oil and natural gas technology joint research and development
7. Hydrogen
8. La Casa Nueva, an energy-efficient eco-housing project
9. Oil sands fuel chemistry and emissions workshop
   

Completed / ongoing

Determine if there are opportunities for public-private partnerships.

On track

By June 2006, agree on areas for enhanced research and development cooperation.

Delayed to late 2006

Continue development of new legal instruments to enable further science and technology cooperation involving financial transfers and intellectual property.

On track

Increase energy efficiency collaboration.

By January 2006, establish a collaborative work program aimed at exchanging information and best practices and undertaking activities focused on promoting energy efficiency in North America, as well as improving vehicle fuel efficiency.

Completed / ongoing

Increase regulatory cooperation.

June 2005: Announce the formation of a trilateral regulators’ group that will meet three times a year (every four months) to discuss issues affecting cross-border energy projects.

Completed

Enhance electricity collaboration.

June 2005: Announce the formation of a working group on electricity reliability that will coordinate U.S. and Canadian guidance to the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) and regional councils, concerning an Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) that will operate on an international basis. Mexico will participate in the working group as an observer.

Completed

A public workshop was held in June 2005 on the draft of “Principles for a Reliability Organization that Can Function on an International Basis,” involving participants from governments, regulatory authorities and stakeholders.

Completed

By the end of 2005, hold a trilateral electricity cross-border infrastructure workshop involving participants from electricity industries and other stakeholders.

Completed

By January 2006, convene discussion on possible renewable energy cooperation.

Completed

By spring 2006, launch a public Web site to provide timely information on electricity regulatory actions taken in each country that affect cross-border electricity trade.

Delayed

Greater economic production from oil sands.

By January 2006, building on joint discussions with key stakeholders and scientific experts, issue a report that discusses the mid- to long-term aspects of the oil sands product market development and the infrastructure and refinery implications for increased oil sands market penetration.

Completed

By June 2006, working from the results of the June 2005 Oil Sands Chemistry and Engine Emissions Roadmap Workshop, issue a paper that discusses future fuel options for North America, the market implications for oil sands production, the impacts for refiners and infrastructure.

On track

By June 2007, produce a paper examining the long-term prospects for enhanced oil recovery in Canada and the U.S. using CO2 from oil sands operations.

On track

Increase natural gas collaboration.

By August 2005, release print version of North American Natural Gas Vision report (Web version released February 2005).

Completed

By June 2006, hold a workshop to obtain stakeholder perspectives, discuss gas market issues, and review current regulations and siting processes in each country for major pipeline projects and liquefied natural gas import terminals.

On track

By June 2007, launch a Web site that will allow for the posting of regulatory changes and other industry information, as well as allow for interactive comments by stakeholders on issues and needs.

On track

Enhance nuclear collaboration.

By December 2005, establish and hold first meeting of a nuclear experts group under existing officials-level North American Energy Working Group (NAEWG).

Completed

By June 2006, establish cooperative work plan.

On track

By June 2007, explore and agree on second round of initiatives.

On track

Enhance cooperation on hydrocarbons.

By June 2006, hold workshops on these issues.

On track

Improve transparency and coordination in energy information, statistics and projections.

By January 2006, release a revised, updated and translated version of “North America – The Energy Picture,” originally developed trilaterally in 2002.

Completed

By June 2007, undertake joint modelling effort.

On track

Environment

Initiative

Key Milestones

Status

Clean Air

Reduce sulphur in fuels.

By March 2006, increase the domestic supply of low sulphur fuels in Mexico, through significant investment by Mexico, supported by technical assistance and capacity building from the United States and Canada.

Delayed to November 2006

Address ship-source air pollution.

 By March 2006, begin to address ship-source air pollution through coordinated data gathering, marine emissions inventory development and air quality modelling.

Completed / ongoing

Report on air quality in North America.

By March 2006, develop methods for reporting on air quality in North America.

Delayed

Clean Water

Joint Canada-U.S. review of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

By March 2006, launch joint review of the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

Completed

Work trilaterally to improve water quality across North America.

By March 2006, enhance information sharing on policies and actions to ensure safe drinking water, including establishment of a Web portal.

Completed

Invasive Alien Species

Work trilaterally to identify invasive alien species of common concern and develop a strategy to reduce their environmental and economic impacts across all our nations.

 By March 2006, technical experts meet to prioritize invasive alien species issues in North America and identify the gaps in existing mechanisms that could be addressed trilaterally to better control the spread of invasive alien species.

Completed / ongoing

Ballast water management.

By March 2006, promote ballast water management strategies in North America, demonstrating our collective commitment to combat invasive alien species.

Delayed

Migratory Species and Biodiversity

Announce cooperative efforts to conserve safe habitats and migration routes for migratory species, building on existing work in this area.

Sign the trinational Declaration of Intent for the Conservation of North American Birds and Their Habitat.

Completed

By March 2006, undertake enhanced collaboration on monitoring and conservation of marine mammals (grey and humpback whales) and other migratory wildlife.

Completed

By March 2006, enhance cooperation in sustainable forest management, including cooperative training for forest fire prevention.

Completed / ongoing

Oceans

Collaborate on management planning for shared marine resources.

By March 2006, establish a draft implementation plan for an Ocean Observation System for the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean as North American contributions to the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS).

Delayed

By March 2006, develop options to advance ocean observation in the Arctic as input to 2007-08 International Polar Year.

Ongoing to
Fall 2006

By March 2006, enhance collaboration on the implementation of ecosystem-based approaches to ocean management.

Completed

By March 2006, enhance information sharing and develop, as appropriate, strategies for complementary marine protected areas, especially habitat for migratory species and ecologically sensitive habitat.

Completed

Transboundary Environmental Impact Assessment

The participating parties work toward the conclusion of a transboundary environmental impact assessment cooperation agreement for proposed projects.

By October 2005, terms of reference developed to scope out trilateral work plan.

Delayed

By June 2007, the appropriate agencies of each country will seek to conclude a transboundary environmental impact assessment cooperation agreement for proposed projects.

Delayed

Food and Agriculture: Enhance Food Safety and Facilitate Trade

Initiative

Key Milestones

Status

Establish or identify a North American food safety coordinating mechanism.
This initiative includes:
- cooperating in the design and development of common standards;
- reviewing existing food safety standards to identify and assess, on a scientific basis, differences with a view to removing, where warranted and appropriate, those identified differences;
- sharing of information on food safety matters;
- collaborating effectively in the development of national positions for international food safety standard-setting bodies.

By March 2006, a trilateral task force will recommend options for implementation of a coordinating mechanism.

Completed

By March 2006, develop a prioritized list of standards for review.

Completed

By September 2006, review and compare the identified food standards to determine similarities, differences and scientific basis for the differences.

On track

By March 2007, establish or identify an effective food safety coordinating mechanism facilitating the cooperative development of common North American standards, as appropriate, and the removal of identified differences in standards where warranted and appropriate.

On track

By March 2006, explore ways to better coordinate between the NAFTA partners on Codex standards and international standard setting.

Completed / ongoing

Speed up the identification, management and recovery from food safety, animal and plant disease hazards on a North American basis.
This initiative includes:
- import/border inspection policies;
- plant health pest management initiatives coordinated by the North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO);

By December 2005, explore ways to implement electronic transmission of certificates for meat, poultry, animal health and plant health on a trilateral basis and other products as identified.

Completed / ongoing

By September 2006, conduct a pilot project within one program area and by December 2006, report on the practicality of issuing electronic certificates.

On track

By March 2006, develop standardized procedures concerning notification and follow-up actions taken due to non-compliance.

Delayed to March 2007

By March 2007, develop common approaches for border inspections of live animals.

On track

By March 2007,explore ways to establish common certification criteria, where certificates are required.

On track

By June 2006, develop standardized North American procedures and criteria to recognize pest-free areas.

On track

By March 2006, develop a common approach to standardize the regulatory measures taken in response to Phakopsora pachyrhizi (soybean rust) pest detection based on the risk it presents to each country’s plant health status.

Completed

By June 2006, complete a regulatory standard for North American imports of propagative material.

Completed

By June 2006, complete a joint protocol for the commercial movement of biocontrol agents.

On track

By December 2006, investigate the feasibility of joint preclearance programs for plant commodities shipped into North America.

On track

By March 2007, jointly conduct offshore audits/evaluations of certification programs for certain plant commodities.

On track

-  animal health initiatives;

By June 2005, harmonize North American import approach for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) management.

Completed

By March 2006, review, explore and report on approaches concerning feed, surveillance and risk management to optimize transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) management in a North American context.

Delayed to January 2007

By June 2006, develop harmonized risk mitigation and management approaches applicable throughout North America, including compartmentality (regionalization/disease-free zones), that are appropriate to the animal health disease status.

Delayed to March 2007

By June 2006, modify existing protocols with the goal of implementation in order to allow for the transit of products through the U.S. in which the process of transiting itself does not pose a risk to the U.S.

Delayed to March 2007

By March 2007, complete the respective regulatory approaches in each country to implement the harmonized import approach for BSE..

On track

- veterinary drugs and biologics;

By March 2007, review, explore and report on common technical standards for demonstrating the safety and efficacy of licensed/regulated animal health products (e.g. veterinary drugs and biologics) that may result in animal or zoonotic diseases (e.g. BSE, foot and mouth disease) or antimicrobial resistance.

On track

By March 2007, report on differences and approaches to approval of veterinary drugs and vaccines and feasibility for further harmonization.

On track

- labelling approaches.

By March 2007, utilizing trilateral mechanisms, explore common approaches to labelling, as feasible and appropriate, in key areas such as nutrition, allergens, production and process methods, organics, country of origin, highlighted ingredients and misleading claims.

On track

Work to resolve differences in pesticide maximum residue limits that may be barriers to trade and undertake joint reviews of pesticide registrations.

By September 2005, complete collaborative data collection activities for pest control products to meet the needs of “minor crop” growers. (Note: minor crops include most fruits, nuts and vegetables.

Completed / ongoing

Then by December 2005, select pest control products for joint review by governments and stakeholders and;

Completed

By March 2006, complete joint reviews for simultaneous approval of selected pest control products.

Delayed to March 2007

By December 2005, develop a long-term trade irritant/risk reduction strategy for pulse crops and resolution of specific priority trade issues identified by stakeholders.

Delayed to March 2007

By December 2006, release final risk assessments based on a thorough re-evaluation of heavy-duty wood preservatives.

On track

By September 2006, complete reviews for four to six conventional chemicals.

On track

Food and Agriculture: Enhance Laboratory Coordination

Initiative

Key Milestones

Status

Enhance capacity by leveraging expertise and technology by working cooperatively within the established North American Foreign Animal Disease laboratory network to identify methodologies and recognize equivalent diagnostic performance and identification methodologies for select animal diseases, such as BSE and avian influenza.

By June 2005, identify programs to be able to identify methodologies and recognize equivalent diagnostic performance for select animal diseases, such as BSE and avian influenza.

Completed

By March 2007, prioritize, assess and recognize the methodologies and proficiency for selected animal diseases.

On track

Enhance capacity by leveraging expertise and technology through the establishment of a plant health laboratory network to identify equivalent methodologies for the detection and identification, surveillance and risk assessment of plant diseases and pests.

By March 2006, establish a laboratory working group in the area of plant health similar to the existing North American Foreign Animal Disease laboratory network.

Delayed to December 2007

By March 2009, recognize equivalent diagnostic methodologies for the detection and identification, surveillance and risk assessment of selected plant pests and diseases.

On track

Identify the appropriate group/vehicle to facilitate the implementation of food safety laboratory initiatives.
This initiative includes:
- assess and recognize equivalence, as appropriate, of analytical methods using agreed method performance criteria;
- enhance quality assurance for priority areas of food safety hazards;
- build confidence through trilateral participation in training courses and exchanging of information and participation in proficiency testing.

By January 2006, establish a task force to identify existing trilateral forums for laboratory cooperation, ensuring that all appropriate regulatory authorities are included.

Completed

By March 2006, identify or establish the appropriate group/vehicle.

Completed

By January 2007, determine performance criteria to assess analytical methods.

On track

By December 2007, identify areas of common interest of which to assess equivalency.

On track

By March 2008, begin to assess analytical methods.

On track

By December 2008, identify equivalency of selected analytical methods.

On track

By March 2006, share laboratory quality assurance and quality control procedures and practices.

Completed

By March 2007, exchange information of proficiency testing programs in which each country participates and identify and fill any gaps where programs are not available.

On track

By January 2006, participate in the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) course for both microbiological and chemical disciplines.

Completed

By March 2006, all three countries participate in general laboratory procedures/courses offered by Canada and Mexico.

Completed

Food and Agriculture: Increase Cooperation in Agricultural Biotechnology Regulation

Initiative

Key Milestones

Status

Continue to support the cooperative effort within North American Biotechnology Initiative for the initiation, coordination and prioritization of various biotech activities.
Including the following initiatives:
- work toward developing common approaches for regulatory policies related to products of biotechnology;
- cooperate and share information on international biotechnology activities.

By March 2006, expand the current technical regulatory exchanges between Canada and the United States to include Mexican regulators and formalize regular trilateral regulatory exchanges.

Completed / ongoing

By March 2006, establish training workshops in Mexico for risk assessors.

Delayed to
August 2006

By March 2007, formalize NABI intercessional conference calls as needed to discuss biotechnology issues in international organizations such as Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Codex Alimentarius Commission, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

On track

Health: Completion of Protocols for Mutual Assistance and Support in a
Cross-Border Emergency

Initiative

Key Milestones

Status

Draft and sign Canada-U.S. and U.S.-Mexico protocols for mutual assistance and support in a cross-border public health emergency.*

Establish a working group to identify liability and legal issues regarding reciprocity that need to be worked out prior to the exchange of medical supplies and personnel during an emergency by March 2006.

Completed

Canada and the U.S. will exchange full-time liaison officers between national public health agencies and share emergency contact lists by March 2006.  Mexico will establish mechanisms for the exchange of liaison officers with both Canada and the U.S.

Delayed

Conduct quarterly drills to test 24/7/365 emergency communications protocols by March 2006.

Completed / ongoing

Assess and implement plans for cross-border mass casualty care, and create a portal for reciprocity of medical licensure by June 2006.

Delayed

Develop and sign bilateral information-sharing agreement on enforcement activities and emergencies by June 2006.

Delayed

Health: A Healthier North America

Initiative

Key Milestones

Status

Develop a North American plan for pandemic influenza.*

Draft and complete a North American influenza plan by 2006.

On track

Explore the feasibility of establishing a coordinated influenza research agenda, including evaluating influenza immunization programs and tracking and updating the global inventory of pandemic influenza vaccine clinical research projects over the next 12 months (June 2006).

On track

Strengthen the Global Health Security Initiative (GHSI).*

Over the next 9 months (March 2006), use and build upon discussions in other forums (e.g. GHSI, World Health Organization)  to improve Canada-U.S. pandemic preparedness (e.g. develop and assess strategic approaches to using vaccines and antiviral drugs).

Completed / ongoing

Continue to conduct pandemic flu tabletop exercises.

On track

Share information and develop common plans for quarantine, travel and isolation during a transborder infectious disease outbreak by March 2006.

Delayed to
Fall 2006

Plan and test 24/7/365 early warning case reporting infrastructure and implement plans for infectious disease control and containment by June 2006.

On track

Hold key workshops by June 2007 on:

1. Plague and Tularemia
2. Detection of Bioterrorism Agents in the Environment
3. Phase II Smallpox
4. Early Warning Infectious Disease Surveillance.

Completed
On track
On track
On track

Adopt common positions on guidance with regard to the international transport of diagnostic materials and samples by March 2006.

Delayed to
Fall 2006

Finalize an operational framework for the management and implementation of a global smallpox vaccine reserve (via World Health Organization ad hoc Orthopox Experts Committee) by June 2006.

On track

Share information and lessons learned in stockpile activities.*

Provide technical assistance to Mexico as it builds its reserves by March 2006.

Completed /  ongoing

Complete Canada-U.S. and Mexico-U.S. joint assessments of the stockpiling of vaccines and antidotes within 9 months (March 2006) and on an ongoing basis.

Completed / ongoing

Coordinate surveillance and laboratory activities.*

Finalize U.S.-Canada Memorandum of Understanding related to sharing data for laboratory-based surveillance of infectious diseases and pathogens (PulseNet – a laboratory based surveillance system for infectious diseases) by March 2006.

Completed

Within the next 9-24 months (March 2006 – June 2007), improve Canada-U.S.-Mexico infectious diseases surveillance systems, training and response systems:

1. develop, evaluate and refine a Web-based chemical, biological and radiological nuclear training platform and system;
2. examine the feasibility of a dangerous human pathogens tracking and control system for monitoring the movement of these agents within North America;
3. explore mechanisms and protocols with a view to creating an interoperable cross-border early warning infectious diseases surveillance system;
4. collaborate and develop protocols and procedures with existing Laboratory Response Network (LRN) laboratories.

On track

Provide ongoing support to Mexico over the next 36 months (June 2008) to:

1. become a full member of the LRN;
2. provide biosafety and laboratory training for infectious diseases personnel;
3. build laboratory network capacity.

On track
Completed
Completed

Develop Web-based mapping of West Nile virus activity in Canada and the U.S.*

Develop and complete a Canada-U.S. mapping system by June 2007.

On track

Extend efforts to prevent alcohol abuse and suicide among indigenous people and increase research and sharing of knowledge about indigenous peoples.
 

Develop and launch a Canada-U.S. Web site on Suicide Prevention and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) by June 2006.

On track

Over the next 36 months (June 2008), Canada and the United States will: collaborate on a workshop on substance abuse, convene an international panel discussion on suicide prevention, and present key findings and results.

Completed

By June 2007, Canada and the United States will:

1. complete a study tour on indigenous health systems;
2. exchange information on approaches to health care delivery;
3. identify joint research projects and initiate a call for proposals.

On track
Completed
Completed

Within the framework of their 2004 Letter of Intent, Canada and Mexico will, within 24 months (June 2007), identify joint priorities, organize workshops/seminars, and sign a plan of action to build greater cooperation on indigenous health issues.

On track

The United States and Mexico will collaborate over the next 36 months (June 2008) to develop workshops, information sharing and research projects related to Type 2 diabetes and indigenous peoples.

On track

Identification and appropriate adoption of best practices in maintaining the safety, efficacy and quality of pharmaceutical products.

Evaluate best practices related to pharmaceutical review processes.

On track

Examine the use of International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines and adopt best practices in maintaining the safety, efficacy and quality of medicines within the next 36 months (June 2008).

On track

Establish a North American mechanism to facilitate information sharing on the safety of pharmaceutical products to protect and advance public health in North America.

Information sharing procedures will be in place in 24 months (June 2007).

On track