The Canadian Foundation for the Americas (FOCAL) is an independent policy institute which develops greater understanding of important hemispheric issues relating to inter-American relations, governance and human security, social policies, and economic integration, through debate and dialogue with all participants in the policy community in Canada and throughout the Americas. Based in Ottawa, FOCAL monitors developments in the Americas and, working with experts, analyses emerging issues. Many of these issues are discussed at workshops organized by FOCAL, often in partnership with non-government, academic and government organizations. The discussions lead to the development of policy options and research papers that FOCAL brings to the attention of governments, international organizations, the private sector, the non-governmental community and the media.

 

FOCAL was founded in 1990 and has a full time staff of approximately 15 people.  The Board of Directors provides strategic guidance to the organization and its activities.  Our publications and other information are available at: www.focal.ca

 

 

Program Areas:

 

Poverty and Inequality

We are concerned with the rate of poverty and inequity in the Americas.  Our research and activities compare the impact and effectiveness of differing responses to the challenges of social development in the region.

 

Economic Development and Trade Integration

FOCAL examines trade and economic issues including the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) and other sub-regional arrangements.  The program also examines the impact of financial and trade flows, monetary and fiscal policies.

 

Governance and Democratic Development

FOCAL works to strengthen democratic governance in the Americas by studying state and institutional reforms, the evolving role of civil society, and the links between social and economic inequality and democratic governance.  

 

Inter-American Relations

The major focus of this program is the analysis of Canada's foreign relations in the Inter-American context.  We pay special attention to the initiatives and activities of the Organization of American States (OAS), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Summit of the Americas process.

 

North American Integration

Canada, the United States and Mexico are increasingly integrated across a range of areas beyond those represented by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).  FOCAL examines possible ways to further integration and their possible implications.

 

Research Forum on Cuba

FOCAL fosters informed discussion and analysis on the immediate and long-term challenges facing Cuba and Canadian policy towards the island.  FOCAL maintains a specialized web site containing information on the program, electronic versions of our publications, and an annotated list of web links on Cuba at: www.cubasource.org. An electronic mailing list is available where subscribers can automatically receive all materials produced by the Research Forum on Cuba.

 

 

FOCAL receives funding from a number of sources, including: the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Ford Foundation, and the Organization of American States (OAS).