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U.S. President George Bush waves as he departs Ottawa on Aug. 21, 2007 following the Montebello Summit. (CP / Frank Gunn) Prime Minister Stephen Harper (centre) stands with U.S. President George Bush (left) and Mexican President Felipe Calderon (right) following the closing news conference at the North American Leaders Summit in Montebello, Que. on Aug.21, 2007 . U.S. President George W. Bush, answers reporters questions as Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Mexican President Felipe Calderon (left to right) look on at the closing news conference of the North American leaders summit in Montebello, Que. on Aug. 21, 2007.(CP / Tom Hanson) NDP international trade critic Peter Julian claimed that the Security and Prosperity Partnership, aimed at increasing trade and security between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, has a more extensive agenda than the government wants to admit.

North American leaders wrap up Montebello summit

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Date: Tue. Aug. 21 2007 10:13 PM ET

North American leaders wrapped up a summit in Montebello, Que. Tuesday with an agreement to block imports of unsafe toys and a commitment to balancing border security and trade.

"We agreed to work together on consumer protection, we have to identify and stop unsafe goods from entering our countries, especially those designed for our children," Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Tuesday.

The announcement follows numerous safety scares from exports, including toothpaste and toys, coming out of China.

Harper, alongside U.S. President George Bush and Mexican President Felipe Calderon, said the leaders also discussed border security.

"Border security measures will not threaten the bonds of friendship or commerce between the U.S., Mexico and Canada," he said.

Crippling wait-times choked borders immediately after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, costing the North American economy billions of dollars. A new system would improve the flow of goods between borders during a crisis situation.

But Harper and Bush failed to reach a consensus on Arctic sovereignty. The U.S. president wouldn't budge from his position that the Northwest Passage is an international waterway, although his tone was at least conciliatory.

"The United States does not question Canada's sovereignty of Arctic islands, and the United States supports Canadian investments used to exercise its sovereignty," he said.

The leaders also discussed the need for practical solutions to environmental challenges, said Harper. Agreements were also reached on regulatory cooperation, pandemics, intellectual property and research and energy.

Following a breakfast meeting, the leaders met with the North American Competitiveness Council to discuss ways to advance trade and economic prosperity.

Tuesday also focused on the Security and Prosperity Partnership, aimed at increasing trade and security between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.

Critics have attacked the SPP for being too secretive, with an unknown agenda that may include water exports and a possible NAFTA superhighway -- a notion that Harper mocked.

"A couple of my opposition leaders have speculated on massive water diversions and superhighways to the continent -- maybe interplanetary, I'm not sure, as well," said the prime minister, tongue firmly in cheek.

But NDP international trade critic Peter Julian claimed that the SPP has a more extensive agenda than the government wants to admit.

"The NDP was able to obtain a meeting summary -- through a freedom of information request -- from a meeting that was held last February with the SPP ministers," Julian told CTV Newsnet.

"Very clearly that document refers to a very deep agenda, a very wide-ranging agenda. And it's an agenda that has, front and centre, the objectives of the North American Competitiveness Council -- a group of about 30 un-appointed, unelected company CEOs, who are pushing forward the agendas of their companies."

The Liberal party helped forge the SPP partnership. But Liberal Leader Stephane Dion said the SPP was always meant to be fully transparent.

"We are supposed to have different groups working on it, not only CEOs," said Dion. "And they were supposed to report to the public of the United States, Mexico and Canada. That's not what has happened with Mr. Harper. There's a complete lack of transparency."

When Parliament resumes, the Liberals have vowed to table a resolution that would put the SPP under scrutiny in the House of Commons.

Few protesters showed up Tuesday following Monday's incidents, where hundreds of demonstrators were pushed back by police using tear gas and pepper spray.

The closing news conference was moved up to allow Calderon to return to Mexico as Hurricane Dean continues to pound the Yucatan Peninsula.

On Monday, Harper and Bush discussed trade relations between the two countries and touched on Canada's Arctic sovereignty. A White House official told The Canadian Press Bush has a better insight into the issue after meeting with Harper but that nonetheless, the U.S. view on the matter is the same -- Canada owns the Arctic islands, but does not have claim to the surrounding resource-rich waters.

With a report from CTV's Craig Oliver and files from The Canadian Press

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Add New Comment ( )

J.C.
said
0 0

As a staunch left-winger and long-time Liberal voter, I would prefer not to develop reasonable rational arguments against NAFTA and free trade. That might be difficult. Instead, I will try to scare others by stringing together words like "hidden agenda" "conspiracy" "Bush=Harper" and so on. I won't actually back my claims up with real evidence (except homemade Youtube documentaries) but hopefully, an intellectually lazy population will fall for them anyway. Thank you.

Ken
said
0 0

You get what you vote for. Congratulations Canada on voting in Harper, now we have the privilege of having our country run by rich CEOs and George Bush.


Derek N
said
0 0

I think the argument over secrecy is reflective of the lack of a real argument against the meetings. I dont think the average North American actually cares about negotiations on regulations and standardization. That's why the fringe groups are inventing myths like the super highway so as to try and make people remotely interested.

G
said
0 0

LOL....there are people commenting here..protesting about the protesters...thats ridiculous...besides only 4 were arrested...the other 1000+ were peaceful. Besides lobbyists do the same role...only they are paid by big business to have lunch at swanky hotels and protest their little pocketbooks out..LOL


Danielle E
said
0 0

People of all political parties unite? Why are a handful of CEOs permitted private meetings to carve up the land and populations of North America for their elite benefit? I really doubt a three-day meeting was held on lead toys and stopping a potential dissemination of the flu. Why live up to your duty as an elected offical and focus on your OWN country's public health care and education systems, local food security, water resources, housing crises, national poverty and so forth, when you can pretend to talk about outsourced baby toys for three days?

Chris
said
0 0

I agree with Ian. The reflexive knee-jerk anti-Americanism that is so much a part of the Canadian body politic is not only tedious and stale, it is a national blight. Go live in the Third World if you don't want hemispheric prosperity. And I will pay for your journey.


Lart from Above
said
0 0

Jobs in Canada depend on eliminating the traffic jams at Detroit and Fort Erie. Talking to the Americans is a good thing, to explain the harm they are causing themselves by putting paranoia ahead of prosperity.

I don't think George Bush has the intelligence or the political capital to understand that peace brings more security than conflict in the long term.


Alex G
said
0 0

Three things:

1) There is no secrecy. Everyone knows who's attending, what they talked about, where it was, what time were the meetings.

2) We elected this government to represent us in meetings like this one. Whether we like it or not, we've already chosen these people to make decisions on our behalf. This is called democracy. And in order for Democracy to work, you have to elect a few to speak on behalf of the whole. Stop whinning that only Execs were invited. Logically, to govern a country, you have to take decsion that will please some and displease others.

3) Throwing rocks and fighting authority for the sake of fighting it only damages your reputation and the message that you are trying to convey. What is your message anyway? Don't deal with Bush, he's a moron? Well, he may be, but he still represents our neighbours so we have to deal with him. Or is it that you feel left out of the meeting? Then get someone elected that will represent your ideology.

Ian
said
0 0

The anti-American, conspiracy theory, Stephen Harper is a Bush clone rehtoric is getting pretty stale. Stop with all of the lies about a NAFTA superhighway and the rest of the nonsense. If you don't like the way North America is being run, go live in the third world, where they have REAL problems.


Ken Kline
said
0 0

Our elected leaders are having meetings with unelected leaders of the business world. That is fine. However the meetings are secret.
Why are they secret?
Our leaders do not want us to know what they and thier owners are talking about.
Why would they not want us to know what they are discussing?
Because we would not like it.
Why wouldn't we like it?
Because it must be against the people's best interest.
Why would it be against the people's best interest?
Because it is in the best interest of the business comunity at the expence of the the people.
It is secret and what else can we do besides throw rocks.


Steve
said
0 0

I am quite refreshed to see the general tone of many of these comments. It's nice to know that not everyone has become a drone for the ultra-left, with constant predictable "America Bad. Corporations Bad. Capitalism Bad." drivel. It's also nice to know that people appreciate the difference between peaceful protest (which is everyone's right) and the rock-throwing lunatics who inevitably show up at anti-WTO and anti-everything protests.


Fred C
said
0 0

Wake up people,

We elect governments to act on our behalf, and expect them to find solutions to the problems facing Canadians. Bush's popularity isn't an issue and for you conspricacy theorists (and communists): if its secret why are the results in the news?

If you object to the policy or approach, run candidates against them instead of protesting or whining.


Phil M
said
0 0

As if inviting anarchists to a meeting ever accomplished anything.


Alice
said
0 0

Educate yourself
www.zeitgeistmovie.com

This meeting was a cover up to what the real agenda is, which is to Unite North America for Political gain and for us to lose our freedom. Please watch this video, PLEASE




Duane
said
0 0

How was this a secretive meeting, again? Just because a meeting happens outside of a major city, doesn't make it deceptive or corrupt. We all knew about the meeting, the location, who was attending, and a draft agenda of what was to be discussed. We even had media scrums and closing news conference to keep us updated. Most of us in Canada enjoy an incredible standard of living and should be thankful for our governance and relationships with our neighbours.

KJ
said
0 0

You are right on the mark yl and dominic, throwing rocks and becoming violent is no way to accomplish anything, considering I am a little biased being my husband is on the front lines dealing with these people that insist on becoming violent. It's these few violent protesters that set the image for the people who protest peacefully. I also suggest these people run for office or become a law enforcement officer and see what the other side of the coin looks like.


Jon
said
0 0

I don't know what all this “secrecy” talk is about? The meeting is plain and visible for all those willing to see. The article will tell you when, where, who and what's involved, they even go as far as telling us what times they're meeting. Secrecy? Not at all, we elect politicians in a democracy to handle these issues not masses of rabble that throw rocks.

Dave
said
0 0

Oh, here we go. The conspiracy theorists crawl out of their holes whenever the U.S. President visits. I am embarrassed at the lack of knowledge and vehement anti-Americanism displayed by some Canadians. Please, please,please educate yourselves on how free trade and free economies work, and stop spouting hatred.


Chad B.
said
0 0

It is short-sighted for these leaders & their flunkies to think that only business execs can advise them on issues related to economics - the approaches of non-profits, NGOs and envirnomental groups should also be considered. Especially the latter - without a healthy environment there is no commerce....and ultimately no people!

The scariest idea floating around is that of bulk water exports from Canada - I would hope that court challenges and civil protests would stop any such pipeline from being built.

Finally, Harper's attitude toward the democratic right to protest is disgusting. When asked about the protest on Monday, Harper told reporters, "I've heard it's nothing. A couple hundred? It's sad."

...sad that they are protesting? sad that there are not more present to challenge his approach?

In the end, I think the secrecy these talks employ is to cover the fact that intellectually and morally their ideas cannot be defended. The 'cowboys' are scared of open debate.



yl
said
0 0

I would be curious to know what positive contribution to society these rock throwing and professional protester provide. I would suggest that they get a job and pay taxes like everybody else and help vote the leaders of their country out of office if they are not happy with the way they are conducting business.Better yet why don’t they run for office themselves and see what it is like to be yelled at.


Patricia
said
0 0

I am very leery about any meetings that are held in hiding and secrecy. It would appear that ordinary people are to be ignored as the factions of the "elite" discuss an agenda that pertains to us all. Democracy is fast becoming a sham and this meeting only supports my premise further. Although I do not believe in their violence, I believe in the message the protesters are trying to convey. They are frustrated and very concerned.


Gregory Boudreau
said
0 0

I agree, rock throwing won't accomplish anything.
It seams that what ever the leaders discuss, some people will be disappointed.
It also seems to me, that we have to try and get along with our neighbors, even if we don't agree on everything.


G Alex G B
said
0 0

Am very sorry to inform you, but the U.S is not evil. Globalization isn't going to be stopped by a protest, and it isn't going to become uncontrollable with a summit. The leaders of our nations NEED to meet on major issues like security. A Canadian no-fly-list does not mean Harper is turning into Bush, it means they are trying to protect us. Just because you do not agree with them, does not mean they are evil and does not warrant rocks flying at the police.


Dominic
said
0 0

Right on the mark, DJ! Protesters should be treated like they treat others, especially the police. You can be non-violent and the cops won't touch you- they know how much crap they'd get in if they did. So don't get your drawers in a knot if you throw a rock at a cop and get a face full of pepper spray...I hate to say it, but you deserve what you get.

These people should be ignored, unless they are able to converse with decision makers in our countries in a normal manner...not pushing and shoving, throwing rocks and yelling at the top of their lungs.


Dennis L
said
0 0

These rock throwing protests over this meeting accomplish nothing. All it does is detract from the so-called message these people would have us listen too. If these protesters were allowed a forum to "participate", these professional protesters would just move on to something else they are dissatisfied with to justify their existence.

Jordan Lester
said
0 0

Personally, I believe that if NGOs, environmentalists and the provincial premiers were included in these meetings, they would be more legitimate.

Also, the SPP is currently being discussed in hearings by the Standing Committee on International Trade.

If this deal was more transparent, people wouldn't be so skeptical of the deal!


Richard
said
0 0

If no one opposes these 'secret' meetings, you can start saying hello to the North American Union, the Amero, and the I-69 Corridor, which is not necessarily a good thing.. Inform yourselves everyone, instead of bashing on the more 'wild' protesters, some are actually there to protect the liberties and sovereignty we hold for granted.


dj
said
0 0

The protesters are a non news item. There will always be a few people who will grandstand against any government instead of trying to constructively discuss some issues. It is good for leaders like this to get together.




Linda
said
0 0

Perception of wrongdoing is enhanced when meetings are held in secret between heads of states and CEO's of large corporations. If this summit was, as some say, good for Canada then union leaders and environmentalists, as well as industry leaders would be participating.
Secondly, Bush is disliked in Canada. Harper is seen as too close to him and most Canadians are uneasy with our participation in what many see as a Bush war. How can a summit, held in secrecy with G.W. Bush, boost Harper's political fortunes.


Earl Robert
said
0 0

Throwing rocks is not the answer. Why would anyone want to protest during this important meeting. Do they care what agreements are made. The answer is simple. NO! Shame on them! Enough! Me thinks they doth protest too much.


john q
said
0 0

Wake up North Americans this is not a peaceful summit. They want to carve roads all over the 3 countries for their own agenda and introduce a new type of globalization to the Northern Countries.

Do not allow it.


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