Message from the FTAA Working Group Chair

International trade agreements can have a profound impact on economic development, social policy, and political dynamics. They cannot be left solely to the executive branch of government. I hope the FTAA Working Group will become a forum for legislators of our hemisphere to link collectively to the negotiation process, as well as engage citizens and the executive in their own countries.

We have two challenges. First, we need to involve lawmakers from all parts of the Americas to ensure that we understand the issues and can take action where needed. Second, we need to find ways to share information on trade agreements and their impacts, as well as actions being taken in our own legislatures, to ensure we are equally and fully informed.

The FIPA Virtual Parliament project provides us with a greater capacity to meet these challenges. During the first phase, the website has provided communications and access to a considerable amount of relevant information. With the expected funding for a second phase, I hope that we can establish an active group of parliamentarians to guide further development of the website, discuss issues and become more directly engaged in monitoring the negotiations.

I look forward to working with you.

Don Boudria, MP