“ A North American Parliament is Born”  

Montreal, May 23, 2005 – The first North American parliament will be held at the Canadian Senate on the initiative of the North American Forum on Integration (NAFI). Seventy university students from Canada, the United States and Mexico will take the political front seat and simulate a North American Parliament, which does not yet exist. From May 23 to 27, participants will recreate the intense atmosphere of negotiations proper to parliaments as legislators of a federal or federate State.

“The creation of a North American parliament, such as the one being simulated by these young people, should be considered,” declares Raymond Chrétien , the TRIUMVIRATE’s distinguished president.

Participants at this event, which is dubbed the TRIUMVIRATE , will discuss draft bills on trade corridors, immigration, NAFTA’s Chapter 11 and renewable energy. A daily newspaper, called “The TrilatHerald”, will cover the debates while lobbyists will attempt to influence the views of parliamentarians.

Ten universities will participate in this pioneer event: Carlton University, Simon Fraser University, Harvard University, American University, Université de Montréal, École nationale d’administration publique (ÉNAP), Monterrey TEC, CIDE, Monterrey University and Instituto Mexicano de la Juventud.

Many political personalities will take part in the event, including Maria Teresa de Madero, the Mexican Ambassador in Canada; Raymond Chrétien, former Ambassador to Mexico and the United States; Gilles Duceppe, leader of the Bloc Quebecois; and James Williams, United States Ambassador in Canada. Raymond Chrétien will be offering a lunch conference followed by a question period, Tuesday May 24 th at 12 pm, Senate, Central Block, Room 214 (please notify Magalie Laliberté).

Foreign Affairs Canada, the Canadian Senate, the United States Embassy, the Government of Quebec, the Government of British-Columbia, Export Development Canada, the Bloc québécois, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Forum of Federations are sponsoring the event.

“ Through the TRIUMVIRATE , we would like to encourage North American youths to take action regarding the challenges faced by the partners of NAFTA and foster the creation of strong relationships among North American youths” stressedChristine Fréchette, President of the North American Forum on Integration.

NAFI was recognized as a leader in the development and consolidation of a North American partnership in the new Canadian International Policy Statement, made public by Paul Martin (p.10).

For further information:
Magalie Laliberté
Tel : Aristocrat Suite Hotel in Ottawa (613) 236-7500
Senate (613) 947-0961
Cell : (514) 708-8792
Fax : (613) 583-2836
mlaliberte@fina-nafi.org
www.fina-nafi.org