The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) is a means by which Canada, the United States and Mexico can work together to find approaches that address common issues. There are two main complementary themes in the partnership, the Prosperity Agenda and the Security Agenda. Initiatives under these agendas support continued, prosperous trade between the countries, while ensuring that the each nation ― and the continent as a whole ― remains secure against external threats and criminal activity. The security and prosperity of a country go hand in hand.
Both agendas are based on the principle of the three North American countries working together to remove duplication and therefore reduce costs and burdens on exporters, importers and travellers. There is also a commitment to find consistencies ― for example, practices proposed or adopted in one country might address similar needs in the others.
Promoting growth and increasing economic opportunities
The Prosperity Agenda of the SPP supports efforts to promote growth and increase the economic opportunities available to Canadians and Canadian companies. It builds on the longstanding relationship among Canada, the US and Mexico to improve the quality of life of all North Americans.
In Canada, the Minister of Industry oversees efforts to deliver on the priorities set out in the Prosperity Agenda. The work is managed through the SPP Prosperity Agenda Coordinator. A similar coordinator is responsible for efforts under the Security Agenda. The two coordinators ― who are in constant contact and work closely with counterparts in the United States and Mexico ― focus on specific goals through Working Groups. These groups in turn guide the efforts of the federal departments and agencies involved in the creation or modification of policies, services and agreements related to each goal.
The work done under the Prosperity Agenda is divided among nine Working Groups, each specializing in an area considered to be important for the three North American governments:
