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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 14pt">June 5, 2005</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 14pt">FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 14pt">2005/23<br>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="text-decoration: underline">CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY</span></span></span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 14pt">NOTES FOR AN ADDRESS BY</span></span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 14pt">THE HONOURABLE PIERRE PETTIGREW,</span></span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 14pt">MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, </span></span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 14pt">TO THE 35th REGULAR SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY </span></span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 14pt">OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES:</span></span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 14pt">DIALOGUE OF HEADS OF DELEGATIONS </span></span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 14pt">WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF CIVIL SOCIETY</span></span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 14pt"> </span></span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">I am pleased to be here with you today to exchange views on a crucial topic which
concerns us all, namely how to fulfill the promises of democracy. For Canada, this
dialogue between heads of delegations and representatives of civil society is
particularly useful as a forum for new ideas, perspectives and concerns. </span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Let me be clear. One of the key ways to ensure that democracy works for the benefit of
all is to promote, develop and implement policies that reflect the views of citizens and
that are rooted in our communities. Engaging civil society, at both the domestic and
international levels, is therefore of critical importance. Canada has been, and will
continue to be, a strong advocate of civil society’s participation in our domestic
institutions, in the work of the Organization of American States [OAS], other
inter-American forums and in the Summit of the Americas process. Canada strongly
supports events like the Civil Society Hemispheric Forum that was held [in Washington,
D.C.,] in April. We have noted with interest that the recommendations that emerged
from that forum are, in fact, intricately linked to the issue of fulfilling the promises of
democracy. </span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">In recent years, we have achieved significant progress throughout the hemisphere in
strengthening democracy. The commitments we have made, in this forum and at the
Summits of the Americas, which are reflected notably in the adoption of the
<i>Inter-American Democratic Charter</i>, are an important step forward. At the same time,
we have to recognize that much needs to be done to translate our commitments into
tangible results, particularly where democracy remains fragile. How can we ensure that
we live up to those commitments and that democracy delivers on its promises?</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">We can start by fully using the <i>Inter-American Democratic Charter</i>—a unique
instrument that provides a clear definition of what we mean by democracy in the
Americas. It underlines the importance of all components of democracy, including
respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; periodic, free and fair elections;
and the separation of powers. In addition, the Charter identifies transparency in
government activities, responsible public administration, probity and freedom of
expression as essential elements of democracy. We should also remind ourselves that
it says that democracy and social and economic development are interdependent and
mutually reinforcing. To tap into this wealth, we must ensure public security, and protect
the civil liberties of our populations. Bolstered by a fair and transparent judicial system,
these are important cornerstones of stability. We must deliver the benefits of
democracy to strengthen it and restore its credibility.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">We also must reinforce our efforts to improve democracy by building partnerships
between governments and civil society and other key stakeholders such as the private
sector. Of course, it is first and foremost the responsibility of each member state to
ensure full respect for democracy and human rights. In our region, however, we are
fortunate to have a strong, actively engaged and knowledgeable civil society that can
play a substantial role in partnering with governments to strengthen democracy.
Constructive partnerships with the private sector, particularly small and medium-sized
enterprises, also hold great promise. These partnerships represent a tremendous
potential that should be further explored. Today’s meeting and other hemispheric and
civil society consultations indicate that we are moving in the right direction, but we need
to explore these partnerships further.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Finally, we should not forget the important role our network of inter-American
institutions can play in perfecting democracy. At last year’s General Assembly in Quito,
[Ecuador], good initiatives were taken to reinforce the fight against corruption, one of
the key threats to democracy. We need to persevere in these efforts and ensure that
anti-corruption mechanisms are effective. Canada hopes that this General Assembly
will also result in a strong commitment not only to strengthen, but also to fully use,
inter-American tools to reach our common objectives.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">I look forward to your views and ideas on this and other issues. </span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif">Thank you.</span></p>
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