This course provides an overview of the North American business environment. It examines the cultural, political and economic environments in Canada, the US and Mexico. Trade and economic integration issues are discussed including an assessment of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the potential impact on these three countries of the proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). The course will also introduce students to the key institutions that impact trade and business activities in North America and will examine the strategies used by foreign multinational corporations in penetrating North American markets. Current and controversial issues such as trade in bulk water and a continental energy plan will also be covered. The long run international competitive position of North American firms is also examined in this course. GMS 690 is designed to provide a suitable comparative framework for understanding other regional markets and will be particularly useful for international and exchange students.