Our Priorities
Priorities for 2011-2012
Implement the Global Commerce Strategy with a particular focus on expanding Canada's economic relationships with emerging markets and concluding negotiations with the European Union
Priority Commitments:
- Increase commercial engagement with China, India and Brazil; and,
- Seek to conclude the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the European Union in 2011.
Reinforce the Canada-United States relationship through effective advocacy and collaboration in the areas of the border management, trade and investment and energy/environment
Priority Commitments:
Support the implementation of the Canada-United States Shared Vision for Perimeter Security & Economic Competitiveness and the Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council;
- Implement a targeted program in the United States for the attraction of foreign direct investment in Canada, and defend against protectionist measures, including "Buy American" provisions, through enhanced advocacy initiatives and market access negotiations; and,
Execute a comprehensive oil sands advocacy strategy in the United States and conclude negotiations of a Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
Contribute to effective global governance and international security and stability
Priority Commitments:
Contribute to the ongoing international effort, led by the UN and NATO, to strengthen Afghanistan's security, rule of law, human rights and regional stability;
Promote Canada's interests in evolving summitry and renewed efforts to reform global institutions; and,
Contribute to addressing emerging security challenges such as linkages between drug trafficking and terrorism, in follow-up to the G-8 Muskoka Declaration.
Advance cooperation on security in the Americas, in particular with Mexico, Central America and Haiti
Priority Commitments:
Coordinate the whole-of-government effort in Central America and Mexico to address security threats and institutional deficiencies using capacity-building expertise to support government and non-government institutions;
Collaborate with the United States, the European Union, Mexico and Latin American partners to enhance security and build capacity in Central America; and,
Coordinate a whole-of-government engagement in Haiti to strengthen governance, security, stability and reconstruction.
Implement Canada's foreign policy to exercise sovereignty in the Arctic
Priority Commitments:
Seek to resolve boundary issues and secure international recognition for the full extent of Canada's extended continental shelf; and,
Strengthen the operations and policy role of the Arctic Council, including negotiating a binding search and rescue agreement.
