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Shape foreign policy?

Contributor: Barretm82

Date: 2003-04-17 11:26:46


1. Which values and interests should bear most fundamentally on Canada's foreign policy? How can Canada's foreign policy better reflect the concerns and priorities of Canadians?

I wonder if we may be better served if we define what democracy isn’t (With a Canadian Slant) as opposed to what democracy is when dealing with nations making that transition. "To tell someone that we know best and this is how they are going to do it seems to send the wrong message about democracy."

I would consider creating a policy document that would clearly define what democracy is not, then using this as a guild line we should be able to get those non-democratic nations “closer” to what democracy is with a Canadian/American perspective.

As far as reflecting the concerns of priorities of Canadians, one fundamental factor we have to continually deal with it the separatists in Quebec City, these 3 million people have an overt influence on our decisions, also the 11 million people in Weston Canada who are clearly alienated.

In another 5 years I ponder if we would see a separatist party of Canada? This party would represent separation of the West and Quebec? If Canada is to exist our government must work to address these issues so we speak with one voice again, I am unsure how to achieve this right now, (perhaps more authority to the provinces on sticky issues like Gun Registry, Language, etc), but with some work perhaps we could figure it out.

Also the days of a non-elected Senate is nearing an end, either change happens or Western provinces will eventually turn to the U.S. for a democratic system. Also the idea of provincial “fire walls” against heavy handed Eastern Canada Federal authority is certainly a powerful leverage point that Western Canada will eventually employ if Canada continues the status quo. (Again, this gets back to speaking as one voice in Canadian foreign affairs).

Barretm82@hotmail.com
Attn; Steve.

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Shape foreign policy?

Contributor: codc01

Date: 2003-04-17 13:12:16


"Also the days of a non-elected Senate is nearing an end"

I think its not only westerners which want Senate reform , but a lot of other people all across the country. I'm not sure about the EEE concept of the senate, but the senators should not be named by the PM, at least not for life.


"the status quo. (Again, this gets back to speaking as one voice in Canadian foreign affairs). "

What, you want complete chaos like the EU in foreign policy? A strong centralized system for foreign affairs and defence is a necessity...


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Shape foreign policy?

Contributor: Barretm82

Date: 2003-04-17 15:15:16


..."What, you want complete chaos like the EU in foreign policy? A strong centralized system for foreign affairs and defence is a necessity... "...

I want a strong centralized system for foreign affairs and defense, I am saying if we do not address Western Canada, Quebec and Central Canada by getting them closer together speaking as one voice again, we risk losing the country or becoming ineffective on the world stage.

We have Separatists in Quebec, and now we have a movement of Separatists in Western Canada; we have to continue to address this problem or risk the country comming apart.

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Shape foreign policy?

Contributor: codc01

Date: 2003-04-17 15:30:26


Ok, i misunderstood your point, i agree entirely with you...

Reforming the senate and another meech lake accord would do it i think :)...
(Easier said than done)...

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