The Objectives of the Summit of the Americas March 27, 2001 Now, more than ever before, Canada’s future is linked with that of the Americas. Our prosperity and our security depend in large part on the democratic and economic stability of our neighbours in the hemisphere. In this spirit, Canada has been committed for over 10 years to the process of bringing the countries in the hemisphere closer together. The Summit of the Americas in Quebec City is a new phase – the most important so far – in that process. Canada has prepared an agenda which reflects the concerns and interests of all Canadians. Thus, the 34 participating countries will discuss the means we have at our disposal to strengthen democracy, create prosperity, and realize human potential throughout the hemisphere.
Moreover, the information revolution has created disparities within the Americas that we must try to alleviate as quicky as possible by promoting connectivity, using information and communications technologies, both traditional (television, radio, telephone) and digital. We believe that a genuine commitment to development can and must include not only efforts to meet basic needs, but also an action plan enabling everyone to participate in the knowledge economy. When possible, we need to integrate information and communications technologies into all hemispheric initiatives. Canada’s objective is to ensure a fairer distribution of opportunities through connectivity, and to make it an engine of economic, social and political development in all countries in the hemisphere. |
Return to regular web page: http://stagingpm:8080/default.asp?Language=E&Page=Newsroom&Sub=FactSheets&Doc=summit_of_the_a.20010328_e.htm |