[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: GEORGE W. BUSH (2001, Book I)]
[April 22, 2001]
[Pages 439-440]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



North American Leaders' Statement
April 22, 2001

    We met today in Quebec City for the first time as leaders of the 
three countries making up North America. We have come together as 
leaders of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, North American 
neighbors who share common values and interests. The ties that link us--
human, social, cultural, and economic--are becoming stronger. Fully 
realizing the tremendous potential of North America is a goal we all 
share.
    Increased trade and investment are cornerstones of a vibrant, 
expanding and more comprehensive North American Trade Agreement (NAFTA) 
since 1994 in bringing about a truly remarkable expansion of trade and 
investment among our countries. NAFTA has eliminated many barriers to 
trade, led to the elaboration of clear rules of commerce, and 
established effective procedures for the resolution of disputes. We will 
build on this progress by completing NAFTA implementation and by 
identifying ways in which NAFTA can ensure a more predictable framework 
for the further development of trade and investment within North 
America. We will work to deepen a sense of community, promote our mutual 
economic interest, and ensure that NAFTA's benefits extend to all 
regions and social sectors. Our governments will develop ideas on how we 
can work together to develop and expand hemispheric and global trade and 
promote broader international cooperation.
    We consulted on the development of a North American approach to the 
important issue of energy markets. Towards this end, our Energy 
Ministers have created a North American Energy Working Group. This 
technical-level forum will be a valuable means of fostering 
communication and coordinating efforts in support of efficient North 
American energy markets that help our governments meet the energy needs 
of our peoples. We stressed the importance of energy conservation, 
development of alternative energy sources, and our common commitment to 
addressing environmental impacts of energy use.

[[Page 440]]

    Migration is one of the major ties that bind our societies, with 
migrants making significant cultural and economic contributions. It is 
important that our policies reflect our values and needs, and that we 
achieve progress in dealing with this phenomenon. We are committed to 
ensuring dignified, humane treatment with appropriate legal protections, 
and defense of human rights for migrants. We will strengthen mechanisms 
for trilateral cooperation to address the legitimate needs of migrants 
and take effective measures against trafficking in human beings and 
migrant smuggling.
    We reviewed the extensive cooperation underway among our three 
governments in areas as diverse as transportation, communications, 
health, justice, agriculture, and border issues. We discussed the 
growing links among citizens in our three countries and new partnerships 
in business, employment, education, travel, culture, and joint research.
    These patterns of cooperation--by governments, business, and other 
members of civil society--are building a new sense of community among 
us. Our governments will review the trends, challenges, and 
opportunities facing North America at the dawn of a new century, and 
examine options to further strengthen our North American partnership. 
Conscious of the challenges we face but convinced of the need to seize 
the unprecedented opportunities before us, we encourage broad reflection 
in our societies on ways to advance the trilateral relationship.

Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of 
this joint statement.