In El Progresso, Honduras Guergis, who is secretary of state for international trade and sport, met up with a team of Habitat for Humanity volunteers from Alliston.

The trip was a part of Canada's renewed engagement to the Americas and was focused mainly in Guatemala and Belize. Aside from meeting with the local volunteers, she met with President Alvaro Colom and Minister of External Relations Haroldo Rodas. She was also scheduled to meet with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Rigoberta Menchu, other government officials and reps from the Canadian business and investing communities.

"Belize and Guatemala are important partners for Canada in Central America and in multilateral forums such as the Organization of American States," said Guergis. "This trip will reinforce our commitment to playing a larger role in the Americas and provide an excellent opportunity to exchange views on crucial issues of security, prosperity and the core values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law."

In August Guergis is also joining Foreign Affairs Minister David Emerson at the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics. They will also tour the Olympic Village and Canada Olympic House, and meet with Canadian athletes and their families. The Olympic Games are Aug. 8 to 24.