Building a North American community

North America, a continent rich in shared heritage and intertwined destinies, stands at a pivotal juncture. Eleven years since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) came into effect, the forces of economic and social integration have accelerated dramatically, drawing our three nations - Canada, Mexico, and the United States - ever closer. Yet, this deepening integration has also exposed profound vulnerabilities, particularly in the wake of September 11, which laid bare the imperative for a more robust and unified approach to continental security. This convergence of accelerated integration and heightened vulnerability, occurring in the absence of new, collaborative governance structures, underscores the urgent need for a bolder vision for our shared future.

Our collective prosperity and security are not guaranteed; they demand a deliberate and sustained commitment to trilateral collaboration. The challenges we face - from persistent terrorist and criminal threats to intense global economic competition and uneven development within our own borders - are too complex for any single nation to address in isolation. It is through a unified effort, a true partnership, that we can safeguard our region from external dangers and foster the well-being of all our citizens.

To forge this stronger future, we envision the establishment of a single North American economic space. This unified economic area would expand opportunities for all people across the region, allowing for the seamless movement of goods, capital, and services. It is a space where economic growth is fostered through harmonized regulatory policies and where the full potential of our combined markets can be realized, strengthening our competitive edge on the global stage.

Concurrently, the creation of a robust security zone is paramount. This zone would serve as an outer perimeter, protecting the North American region from external threats while simultaneously facilitating the legitimate passage of goods, people, and capital across our internal borders. Imagine a system where enhanced security measures at the periphery allow for greater fluidity and efficiency within the continent, ensuring that our borders are both secure and smart.

Achieving this vision necessitates a clear roadmap and concrete actions across several key areas. We must enhance cooperation on economic and regulatory policies, ensuring that our frameworks are complementary rather than conflicting. Addressing the developmental gap between our nations is also critical, as shared prosperity underpins long-term stability. Furthermore, strengthening tri-national institutions will provide the necessary mechanisms to guide and sustain this collaborative endeavor, moving beyond ad hoc responses to a more structured and strategic partnership.

This ambitious vision calls for leaders to be architects of a new community, rather than mere custodians of the status quo. It proposes specific recommendations on how the announced "Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America" can be pursued and realized, suggesting a more ambitious timeline for the establishment of this new community by 2010. By embracing a unified approach to both security and economic integration, Canada, Mexico, and the United States can unlock unprecedented potential, ensuring a safer, more prosperous, and more cohesive North America for generations to come.