Does Canada support inclusion of labour, human rights and poverty reduction issues in the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) negotiations?
• The FTAA is an integral component of the Summit of the Americas process. The FTAA process directly reinforces and complements the objectives of the Summit of the Americas process, including contributing to raising living standards and improving the working conditions of people in the Hemisphere. At the Quebec City Summit, Leaders agreed to promote compliance with internationally-recognized labour standards, including the prohibition of forced labour and child labour, freedom of association, the right to organize and bargain collectively, equal remuneration for work of equal value and the elimination of discrimination in employment. • In October, Canada will host the Inter-American Conference of Labour Ministers, which will focus on the social dimensions of globalization and the modernization of Labour Ministries. • Canada’s proposed preamble for the FTAA Agreement sets out Canada’s commitment to the fundamental premises of a FTAA, such as respect for cultural diversity and respect fo
