Canada in the Americas -- La Tribuna

By David Kilgour, Secretary of State (Latin America & Africa)

(The following article was published in Spanish in the June 15, 1999 issue of La Tribuna, an Edmonton-based, Spanish-language newspaper)

Canada is about to embark on a new level of engagement with the Americas; we see this as the natural next step in our evolution as a nation. By hosting a number of hemispheric events, Canadians hope to strengthen our relationship with the region.

The Pan American Games are being held in Winnipeg from July 28 - August 8. Consisting of 5000 athletes and 2000 coaches, trainers, and mission staff from the 42 countries of North, South and Central America and the Caribbean, the games will be the largest celebration of sport and culture ever held in Canada. Participants will be competing in 41 sports -- everything from aquatics and basketball to judo and water skiing.

In terms of building relations between Canada and the greater Americas community, these games represent more than just sport and competition. It’s a chance for Canadians to host an event that will showcase the different cultures and demonstrate our belief in and dedication to the other nations of the Western Hemisphere.

In September, Madame Aline Chrétien is hosting the 9th Conference of Spouses of Heads of State and Government of the Americas. When the First Ladies of the hemisphere meet, they will be discussing two themes: women’s health and a healthy start -- investing in children 0-6.

Other important events are the 5th Americas Business Forum and FTAA Ministerial Meeting, which will be held in Toronto in early November; the University of Alberta will host the Model General Assembly of the OAS in March of 2000; the 30th General Assembly of the OAS which will take place in June 2000 in Windsor, Ontario; all of these will lead up to the third Summit of the Americas- to be held in Quebec City in 2001.

Our hemisphere is without question one of the world's most dynamic regions politically, economically and culturally B a region where Canadians want to contribute and derive benefit. In fact, when Canada became the 33rd member of the OAS on January 8, 1990, it made a lasting commitment to the Western Hemisphere. In a very real way, the next century will be that of the Americas. Through cooperation, flexibility, and adopting clear, fundamental values and a desire to involve civil society and other international stakeholders, we can have a considerable influence. More than ever before, it lies within our joint ability to make the hemisphere more stable, peaceful and prosperous.