FOCAL’s Inter-American Affairs program provided policy-relevant research and analysis on hemispheric issues through a series of projects that included the development of a think-tank initiative, civil society participation, government institutions and elections. Throughout the years it covered topics as diverse as Afro-descendants, democratic crisis, governing institutions, multilateral organizations and hemispheric co-operation with a focus on both state and non-state actors. FOCAL was pivotal in initiating civil society participation at the OAS and in particular in the Summit of the Americas process. Working with a network of local partners, this program increased understanding of Latin America in Canada and promoted Canadian best practices in Latin America.

Over the years, the Inter-American Affairs program worked in collaboration with a number of regional partners including governments, non-governmental organizations, think-tanks, universities, research institutions, multilateral organizations and the private sector throughout Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. Our policy papers and briefs, research papers, meeting reports and opinion pieces have provided insight into important and timely hemispheric issues. This research has informed Canadian policy as well as the work of governments throughout the region. It has provided useful background information and valuable insight, and has improved the general public’s understanding of Canada’s role in the region.