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 News from Around the Americas | August 2007 
Harper, Bush and Calderon Wrap Up Summit Early
 CityNews.ca
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| | Trash from protesters litters the ground outside the Chateau Montebello hotel during the Summit of the North American leaders Montebello, Quebec, August 21, 2007. (Reuters/Christinne Muschi) |
The North American Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) is wrapping up early thanks to Hurricane Dean, which caused Mexican president Felipe Calderon to leave so he could tend to storm damage in his home country.
Stephen Harper, George W. Bush and Calderon met with members of the North American Competitiveness Council to get their views on how to enhance trade and economic prosperity.
The meeting was one of the key complaints by critics and protesters who are upset that their elected leaders are only listening to the corporate elite and refusing to hear from social activists, environmentalists and others.
There were no protesters in sight on Tuesday in Montebello, Quebec, which was a much different scene than Monday when hundreds of activists clashed with police, who were forced to use tear gas and pepper spray to disperse the crowd.
The leaders want to see rules on who and what would be allowed to cross North American borders amid crises like a terrorist attack or an outbreak of avian flu.
The leaders also plan to announce that they will recognize the research of each country's food and drug regime in an effort to reduce costs and avoid duplication.
A Canada-Mexico deal is also brewing that would allow more Mexican migrant workers into Canada under an expanded program for agricultural labourers.
Harper met with Bush on Monday and the pair discussed border issues, trade, the war in Afghanistan, and Canada's sovereignty over the Arctic. |
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