It is only by engaging all of our citizens, by ensuring that their voices are heard, that we will gain the confidence we need to achieve our goals. Only by debating openly will we convince the doubters and galvanize our nations behind us as we move ahead. Ladies and gentlemen, for Canada, La Gran Familia is also about connecting people through cyberspace. Because the advantages of connectivity go beyond E-Commerce. They encompass education and health, in fact, every sphere of human endeavour.
Connectivity can contribute directly to making the lives of our people better.
And that is what the focus of our polices should be. Governments have a pivotal role to play in how these new technologies are developed and shared. In ensuring that their ability to span great distances, expand access to knowledge and increase economic productivity is put to the service of all our people. I believe that the governments of the Americas, in partnership with the private sector, civil society, international financial institutions, and regional and international organizations must work together in this area. As leaders of our societies, we have a special responsibility to make sure that entire populations are not left behind by the technological revolution.