North American Leaders’ Summit

The fifth annual North American Leaders’ Summit took place in Guadalajara, Mexico, on August 9 and 10, 2009. The Summit provides an opportunity for the leaders of Canada, Mexico and the United States to discuss key bilateral, North American and global issues.

Many of our challenges require North American solutions—ones that respect our differences as sovereign countries but take into account our interdependence as neighbours.

Canada, the U.S. and Mexico are not just continental partners; they also share an interest in hemispheric and global issues. We cooperate in the hemisphere through the Organization of American States (OAS) and on the global stage through the United Nations (UN), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Trade Organization and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

The three North American partners have well-entrenched mechanisms that enable us to work together to enhance North America’s stature in the world and ensure the safety and quality of life of our citizens. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2009, has enabled governments to work together to advance shared interests.

The Guadalajara summit enabled the leaders to build on the strong cooperation between the three countries in a wide range of areas. For Canada, the Guadalajara summit offered an opportunity to advance a trilateral agenda that builds on the solid bilateral relationships with Mexico and the U.S.

This year’s summit focused on four main themes: the economy, environment and energy, security, and global and regional issues.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Mexican President Felipe Calderón and U.S. President Barack Obama engaged in strategic discussions on issues that affect the well-being and prosperity of North American citizens.

Related Documentation

• Statement - Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada - August 10, 2009
• Statement – Joint statement by North American leaders – August 10, 2009
• Photo Gallery - PM participates in North American Leaders’ Summit in Guadalajara - Mexico, August 10, 2009
• News Release - PM announces Canada to extend scholarships to Mexican students - August 10, 2009
• Backgrounder - Canada’s Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program – August 10, 2009
• Declaration - North American Leaders’ Declaration on H1N1 – August 10, 2009
• Declaration - North American Leaders’ Declaration on Climate Change and Clean Energy – August 10, 2009
• Backgrounder - Canada provides basic training for federal police recruits – August 9, 2009
• News Release - PM announces additional Canadian support for Mexico’s fight against organized crime and the international drug trade - August 8, 2009
• Audio Vault - PM announces additional Canadian support for Mexico’s fight against organized crime and the international drug trade - August 8, 2009
• News Release - PM to participate in North American Leaders’ Summit in Guadalajara, Mexico - August 7, 2009