The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP)
was launched in March of 2005 as a trilateral effort to increase
security and enhance prosperity among the United States, Canada and
Mexico through greater cooperation and information sharing.
This trilateral initiative is premised on our security and our
economic prosperity being mutually reinforcing. The SPP recognizes
that our three great nations are bound by a shared belief in
freedom, economic opportunity, and strong democratic
institutions.
The SPP provides the framework to ensure that North America is
the safest and best place to live and do business. It includes
ambitious security and prosperity programs to keep our borders
closed to terrorism yet open to trade.
The SPP builds upon, but is separate from, our long-standing
trade and economic relationships. It energizes other aspects of our
cooperative relations, such as the protection of our environment,
our food supply, and our public health.
Looking forward, President Bush, Prime Minister Harper and
President Fox have identified emergency management; influenza
pandemics, including avian influenza; energy security; and safe and
secure gateways (border security and facilitation) as key priorities
for the SPP. The Leaders also announced the creation of North
American Competitiveness Council to fully incorporate the private
sector into the SPP process.