CANADA’S INTERNATIONAL ROLE

Foreign Policy

Official Principles: Internationalism Multiculturalism Mediation Compromise Peaceful Change

Foreign Affairs Canada

Manages day-to-day foreign relations through: Multilaterally- wide

rang of relationships in international organizations

Bilaterally- direct relations with other countries e.g. NAFTA

Foreign Affairs Canada

They are responsible for co-ordinating: Canada’s response to international security Protecting Canadians and Canadian facilities

abroad Handling international terrorist acts involving

Canadians Managing relations with foreign diplomats in

Canada E.g: One Main Policy: promote human rights

and democratic values

International Trade Canada

Objective: Promote the country as a business leader and to negotiate trade agreements that will help Canadian businesses compete in the international marketplace.

The Department of National Defence and Canadian Forces

The Department of National Defence (DND) has 3 objectives: To protect Canada To contribute to

world peace and international security

To protect Canadian interests abroad.

Canadian Forces

The Canadian forces contribute to global security, peace and stability.

Involved in every UN peacekeeping mission since its creation. This includes: The Balkans (1991), Somalia

(1993), Rwanda(1994) etc.

The Debate: Defence Spending

Canada is the sixth highest military spender among NATO countries- 13.6 billion dollars.

Many believe this is too high, and it can be used on social programs.

Others believe it should be increased to insure Canadian Forces can fulfill their roles as peacekeepers and defenders of Canada.

Last One I Promise! The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)

The main voice for Canadian Foreign Aid. Donates billions of

dollars to international development assistance programs.

Supports projects in more than 150 countries.

Distributes in 3 ways: Multilateral aid-

International Agencies Tied to certain conditions to

help promote Canadian goods and services

NGOs

Six Priorities of CIDA

1. meet basic human needs with healthcare, education etc.

2. promote gender equality by support programs that foster equality of woman.

3. help developing countries and countries in transition.

4. promote democratic values, good governance and respect for human rights

5. to promote economic development 6. help developing countries protect their

environments.