Actually, the international requirement for hams to have proficiency in Morse code was dropped at the World Radio Conference (WRC) last June (2003). As it is, I believe that we are the last radio service still using code on a regular basis and we were certainly the last radio users to still require proficiency. Over the past year, several countries have ammended their own rules and regulations to reflect the changes.
In Canada, there is a proposal that there be a code endorsement to whatever the new licencing structure becomes as a way of encouraging those of us who already have proficiency to keep at it. As well, new hams may be encouraged to gain proficiency in the knowledge that there will be some recognition of the fact.
This isn't just a "keep us old farts with code happy" thing, either. We should all be aware that not every country will drop the code requirement (as in fact, the majority have not) and that any reciprocal licencing will require the minimum proficiency of the host country as a necessary yardstick for comparing licence class equivalency. In other words, if you are travelling from here (Canada or the US) and want to operate in a country that still requires morse code for hf privileges, you will have to have the appropriate endorsement from your own administration in order to enjoy the full spectrum.
For Canadian readers who are looking for licencing information up here, check the Radio Amateurs of Canada website at
http://www.rac.ca and follow the links.