George Haynal addresses the major debate, within government and academic circles, between two views of North American regional integration: one favoring gradual, incremental, and case-by-case management of integration-related areas for cooperation; and another advocating a “big idea,” or “NAFTA-Plus” agreement which attempts a comprehensive approach to regional problem solving.

He argues that a more productive approach is to look at specific issue areas – he chooses trade in resources, labor markets, and national security – to see what best practices are for bilateral and regional cooperation. In particular, he sees “regulatory dissonance” and “balkanized” sets of standards lacking mutual recognition as indication that some form of deeper and sustained cooperation would benefit NAFTA’s members. If anything, “regulatory interoperability” will be driven not by policy elites in national or state capitols, but rather by the economic facts of life under globalization, for example in the area of public health (SARS).

Where interests coincide, cooperation should thrive, despite sensitivities regarding national sovereignty. For example, Haynal advocates a bilateral agreement liberalizing the flow of natural resource exports in order to guarantee security of energy supplies. Keeping the border both safe and open, and defending the North American continent from external attack, are issue areas where a clear convergence of interests is apparent. This agenda, Haynal argues, focuses on making sure Canada is an active partner and beneficiary, rather than a passive object, of North American regional integration.

NAFTA may have been the starting point, but we must move beyond its limitations and face our shared challenges with creativity and determination.